Earthquakes
New Madrid, Missouri Earthquake Awareness Oct. 11–17: 100+ Quakes Recorded
NEW MADRID, Mo. — Beneath the farmland of southeastern Missouri, small earthquakes continue to ripple through one of America's most active seismic regions. More than 100 tremors have been recorded sta
By Mara Ellison · 2026-10-12T00:43:55.099Z
NEW MADRID, Mo. — Beneath the farmland of southeastern Missouri, small earthquakes continue to ripple through one of America's most active seismic regions. More than 100 tremors have been recorded statewide this year, highlighting a persistent threat as earthquake awareness activities lead into Thursday's Great ShakeOut drill.
Missouri's State Emergency Management Agency reported 110 earthquakes during 2026 as of Sept. 17. Most measured below magnitude 2.0, making them difficult for residents to feel.
Yet the small tremors occur near a fault system responsible for some of the strongest earthquakes in recorded American history.
The New Madrid Seismic Zone stretches across the central Mississippi Valley, with southeastern Missouri positioned near its core.
Between December 1811 and February 1812, three major earthquakes struck the region. Scientists estimate those earthquakes reached magnitudes of approximately 7.3 to 7.5, triggering widespread ground failures and dramatically altering portions of the Mississippi River landscape.
The U.S. Geological Survey estimates a 25% to 40% probability of a magnitude 6.0 or greater earthquake occurring within the New Madrid zone over a 50 year period.
That long term probability does not mean a major earthquake is imminent.
Missouri's earthquake awareness activities culminate Thursday, Oct. 15, when residents join the Great Central U.S. ShakeOut.
The statewide exercise begins at 10:15 a.m. local time. Participants will practice dropping to their hands and knees, taking cover beneath sturdy furniture and holding on until simulated shaking stops.
More than 260,000 Missourians had registered by Sept. 17, according to state emergency officials.
Earthquake preparedness carries particular importance for communities across the Missouri Bootheel, including New Madrid, Sikeston, Caruthersville and surrounding Mississippi River communities.
Officials encourage residents to secure heavy furniture, identify safe shelter locations and prepare emergency supplies.
Unlike severe weather systems, earthquakes generally strike without warning. The region's continued seismic activity makes preparedness important long after Thursday's drill concludes.