Springfield, Illinois – A rare earthquake rattled central Illinois early Tuesday morning, briefly waking residents and prompting thousands of reports of shaking across the region.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the earthquake registered a magnitude of 3.5 and struck about 4 kilometers northwest of Ohlman, Illinois, roughly 35 miles south of Springfield. The quake occurred shortly before 2 a.m. local time and originated at a depth of approximately 8.8 kilometers, making it shallow enough to be felt across a wide area.
Shaking was reported across much of central Illinois, including Springfield, Litchfield, Taylorville, Hillsboro, and parts of the Metro East. Residents described brief rumbling, vibrating walls, and rattling windows, with some mistaking the shaking for a passing train or heavy vehicle. No injuries or structural damage were immediately reported.
While earthquakes are uncommon in Illinois, the state is occasionally affected by seismic activity linked to the broader New Madrid Seismic Zone and nearby fault systems. Events of this magnitude are typically not damaging but can be widely felt due to the region’s geology, which allows seismic waves to travel farther than in more mountainous areas.
Emergency officials say no response actions are required at this time, though residents are encouraged to report their experience through the USGS “Did You Feel It?” system to help scientists refine impact data. Seismologists note that aftershocks are unlikely, but additional analysis of the event is ongoing.
