It was just after nine o’clock Saturday morning when residents across the Southeast felt the ground shake. The U.S. Geological Survey first reported a 3.5 magnitude earthquake, but later updated the magnitude to 4.1.
The quake’s epicenter was located in Blount County, Tennessee in the community of Greenback. According to early reports from the USGS, the tremor was felt as far away as Atlanta, Georgia. The agency has also issued a 23% chance of aftershocks occurring over the next week.
So far, no major damage has been reported. The Tennessee Department of Transportation says no road damage has been found, but bridge inspections will continue as a precaution over the coming weeks.
In West Knox County, Rural Metro Fire responded to a brief gas leak — the only emergency call linked to the quake. No injuries were reported.
Blount County’s Emergency Management Director, Lance Coleman, confirmed there were no reports of damage or injuries in the area, though their office did receive a flood of phone calls.
A spokesperson for the Tennessee Valley Authority noted that Fontana Dam experienced slight movement during the event — enough to require inspection — but no issues were found. Meanwhile, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park temporarily shut down a section of Foothills Parkway West to check for possible damage. Officials say the road has since reopened, and no damage was discovered.
Authorities remind residents that aftershocks are still possible in the coming days.
