South Carolina residents along the coast felt a brief, sharp jolt before sunrise as a rare earthquake rattled communities north of Savannah.
A magnitude 2.5 earthquake struck about 6 kilometers south-southeast of Centerville, South Carolina, at 2:00 a.m. UTC, which was late Wednesday evening local time. The shallow quake occurred at a depth of just 0.7 kilometers, making the shaking more noticeable despite its low magnitude.
According to regional seismic data reviewed by the Center for Earthquake Research and Information, the epicenter was located west of North Charleston and northeast of Savannah, near the I-95 corridor. The quake was officially reviewed and confirmed.
While a 2.5 magnitude event is considered minor and typically does not cause damage, shallow quakes can produce a quick thud or rumble. Some residents may have heard windows rattle or felt a brief vibration. No injuries or structural damage have been reported.
Earthquakes are uncommon but not unheard of along the Georgia–South Carolina coastline. The region sits within the Charleston seismic zone, which has produced notable events in the past, including the historic 1886 Charleston earthquake.
Emergency management officials have not issued advisories. Still, residents who felt shaking are encouraged to report their experience to help scientists map intensity.
For now, no aftershocks have been reported. Authorities continue monitoring seismic activity across coastal South Carolina and southeast Georgia.
Did you feel the shaking near Savannah or North Charleston? Share what you experienced in your neighborhood.
