Ohio residents east of Cincinnati felt a brief jolt before sunrise as a rare earthquake struck near the Kentucky border. The tremor registered at magnitude 2.5 and occurred about 3 kilometers northeast of Hillsboro.
The U.S. Geological Survey reports the quake hit at 5:50 a.m. local time at a depth of 6.4 kilometers. The epicenter sits in southern Ohio, roughly between Cincinnati and Chillicothe, not far from the Ohio River corridor.
While a 2.5 magnitude quake is considered minor, it can produce noticeable shaking indoors. Dishes may rattle. Windows can vibrate. Most events at this strength cause little to no structural damage. No injuries or damage have been reported as of mid-morning.
Earthquakes are relatively uncommon in Ohio compared to western states. However, small quakes do occur along ancient fault lines that run beneath the Ohio Valley. Most are weak and short-lived.
Communities including Hillsboro, Greenfield, Washington Court House, and parts of Clermont and Brown counties may have felt light shaking. Residents near the I-71 corridor reported brief movement lasting only a few seconds.
Emergency managers encourage residents to report what they felt through the USGS “Did You Feel It?” system. Even minor events help scientists better understand regional seismic patterns.
Officials say there is no ongoing threat, but aftershocks are sometimes possible following even small earthquakes. Did you feel the shaking in southern Ohio this morning?
