News Summary

Two small earthquakes were reported in North Carolina, with magnitudes of 2.4 and 2.1 occurring near Rosman. Residents felt the tremors across a broad area, including parts of Georgia. Despite their low magnitudes, these earthquakes highlight the region’s unique geological activity, which allows seismic waves to travel further compared to other areas. The quakes follow a stronger earthquake that had previously shaken the state, emphasizing the ongoing monitoring of seismic activity.

North Carolina Hit by Two Small Earthquakes

A 2.4 magnitude earthquake shook parts of North Carolina early Friday morning, May 31, 2025, occurring at 2:12 a.m. near Rosman, close to the South Carolina border. This seismic event was followed by a second quake with a magnitude of 2.1, which struck just before 2:20 a.m. on Saturday, June 1, 2025. Both earthquakes were centered in Transylvania County, near Lake Toxaway.

Residents reported feeling the Friday earthquake as far as 25 miles away, especially in areas south of Hendersonville and in East Flat Rock. The Saturday quake was perceptible about 31 miles away in Georgia, particularly near Clayton. These small earthquakes are notable for their proximity to a larger 4.1 magnitude earthquake that occurred on May 10, 2025, across the state line in Tennessee.

Details of the Earthquakes

The first quake, occurring early Friday, registered at 2.4 on the Richter scale and was located approximately 5 miles from Rosman, and about 28 miles north-northeast of Hendersonville. The second, weaker quake had a magnitude of 2.1 and was reported just before 2:20 a.m. on Saturday. Despite their relatively low magnitudes, small earthquakes can still be felt over wider areas in the eastern United States due to geological factors.

Comparative Context

The May 10 earthquake with a magnitude of 4.1 had a broader impact, with reports of shaking felt from as far away as Charlotte and various other states. Historically, the inland regions of North and South Carolina, as well as parts of Georgia and Tennessee, have experienced small earthquakes, but seldom see significant damage. Since records began in 1776, major earthquakes in this area have remained rare.

In terms of geological activity, the inland Carolinas are located far from the nearest tectonic plate boundaries, which are situated in the center of the Atlantic Ocean and in the Caribbean Sea. This means that significant seismic events are infrequent in this region.

Understanding Earthquake Effects

Seismic waves from earthquakes in the eastern U.S. tend to travel farther compared to those in the western U.S. This is primarily due to the region’s geology, which allows seismic activity to be felt over greater distances even from less powerful earthquakes. Experts indicate that significant structural damage is typically associated with earthquakes that have magnitudes of 5.5 or greater.

As North Carolina residents recover from these minor tremors, officials continue to monitor seismic activity in the area to ensure public safety. The recent earthquakes serve as a reminder of the natural forces that can occur even in regions not traditionally associated with significant seismic activity.

In conclusion, while the recent earthquakes near Rosman have raised some concerns among residents, their low magnitudes and historical context suggest that they are unlikely to pose any major threat in the ongoing monitoring of seismic activity throughout the region.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• CBS 17 News
• Wikipedia: Earthquake
• WYFF 4 News
• Google Search: North Carolina earthquake 2025
• WXII 12 News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Earthquake
• WRAL News
• Google News: Earthquake North Carolina
• WeatherBoy

Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD

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