Greenwood, S.C. – A series of small earthquakes continues to rattle Greenwood County as officials confirmed at least 13 tremors have been recorded in the past week. The U.S. National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg says the cluster of quakes, known as an “earthquake swarm,” has not produced a single mainshock but consists of multiple small jolts concentrated near Lake Greenwood.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the strongest quakes so far have been minor, generally registering below magnitude 3.0, but the repeated shaking has raised concern among residents in communities such as Waterloo, Ninety Six, and Ware Shoals. While these types of swarms are not uncommon in the Southeast, officials stress they can persist for days or weeks before tapering off.
Emergency managers advise residents to secure loose household items and be aware that even small quakes may cause windows to rattle or light structural damage in older buildings. Drivers are encouraged to use caution on bridges and near Lake Greenwood, as repeated tremors could loosen ground surfaces.
Seismologists continue to monitor the region and say more minor earthquakes are possible in the coming days. Updates will be issued if the swarm intensifies or produces a stronger quake.
