Western North Carolina Shaken by Two More Earthquakes This Week
LAKE ADGER, NC — Residents across Western North Carolina felt more seismic activity this week as two additional earthquakes were recorded near Rosman and Lake Adger, continuing a string of small quakes in the region.
The latest earthquake, a 2.7-magnitude tremor, struck near Lake Adger on Thursday, August 14, around 1:15 p.m., according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). It was strong enough to be felt throughout the state — and even as far north as Connecticut — though no damage or injuries were reported. Over 700 people submitted “Did You Feel It?” reports. (WBTV)
Earlier Quake Hit Rosman on August 12
Just two days earlier, on August 12, a 1.8-magnitude quake was recorded west of Rosman. While this one was significantly weaker, it marked the third small earthquake in that immediate area in a week. Two prior quakes had occurred on August 9 near Lake Toxaway, less than three hours apart.
All four recent earthquakes occurred in close proximity within Transylvania and Polk counties, areas not typically known for heavy seismic activity.
No Damage, But Continued Activity Raises Questions
Although none of the earthquakes caused damage — as tremors below 2.5 magnitude generally do not — the recent frequency has drawn attention from geologists and emergency management professionals.
The Lake Adger quake’s 2.7 magnitude made it the strongest of the recent events. Despite its wide reach, all reports described the shaking as light and brief. The USGS continues to monitor the region for aftershocks or new events.
To view live earthquake tracking and magnitudes, visit the USGS event pages for the Rosman quake and the Lake Adger quake.
Have you felt any shaking in recent days? Let us know in the comments and stay with Saluda Standard-Sentinel for more updates on seismic activity and local emergency alerts across North Carolina.
