Lerna, Illinois – A magnitude 3.3 earthquake jolted parts of central Illinois just before midnight Monday, briefly rattling windows and nerves across the region south of Champaign and east of I-57.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake struck at 11:43 p.m. CT about six kilometers south-southwest of Lerna in Coles County. It originated at a depth of 9.6 kilometers and was felt as far as Mattoon, Charleston, and Effingham, with reports also coming in from eastern Macon and Cumberland counties.
Though no damage or injuries have been reported, residents across the region described light shaking and low, rumbling sounds. The tremor occurred near the New Madrid Seismic Zone, a historically active fault system responsible for occasional moderate quakes in the Midwest.
The Illinois Emergency Management Agency encourages residents to review earthquake preparedness plans, especially those living in older structures or mobile homes. While rare, mild seismic events like Monday night’s are reminders that Illinois is not immune to tectonic activity.
As of early Tuesday, no aftershocks had been recorded. USGS and regional seismic networks continue to monitor for any additional seismic activity.
