[Geology2] Kentucky was rattled by a 4.3 earthquake at noon Saturday that could be felt as far away as Atlanta

Earthquake measuring 4.3 rattles Kentucky

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

PUBLISHED: 15:08 EST, 10 November 2012 | UPDATED: 08:42 EST, 11 November 2012

The U.S. Geological Survey is reporting an mid-day earthquake that rattled central Kentucky could be felt in other states nearby, and as far away as Atlanta, Georgia.

The USGS website says the epicenter of the 4.3 magnitude earthquake on Saturday around noon was about 10 miles west of Whitesburg, Kentucky. 

Residents in nearby Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Indiana, Ohio and Georgia also reported feeling the tremor.

Shaken: Central Kentucky was rattled by a 4.3 earthquake at noon Saturday that could be felt as far away as Atlanta, Georgia

National Weather Service spokesman Jeff Carico says employees at the office in Jackson, which is about 60 miles northwest of Whitesburg, felt the ground shake for about 15 seconds. He says the office has gotten numerous calls, but so far no one has reported any serious damage.

USGS geophysicist John Bellini says the quake is considered 'light' and isn't expected to cause major damage. 

No fatalities were reported.

 

Most earthquake activity in Kentucky has occurred in the western portion of the State near the New Madrid seismic zone, according to the USGS.

The strongest earthquake in Kentucky occured July 27, 1980 in the northeast part of the state and registered at 5.2. 

That shake was felt over all or parts of 15 States and in Ontario, Canada. Damage occurred in Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio.

Property damage was estimated at $1 million near the epicenter.