STEELE, Mo. – A light earthquake early Saturday shook parts of the Missouri–Tennessee–Arkansas border region, waking some residents across the Mid-South before dawn. The U.S. Geological Survey reports the 2.8 magnitude tremor struck about 4 kilometers east of Steele, Missouri, around 3:28 a.m. CDT, at a depth of roughly 10 kilometers.
According to the University of Memphis Center for Earthquake Research and Information, the quake was felt across Pemiscot County, Missouri, and into Blytheville, Arkansas, and Dyersburg, Tennessee. No damage or injuries have been reported, though six residents submitted “Did You Feel It?” responses noting brief shaking and low rumbles.
The New Madrid Seismic Network confirmed the quake originated within the historically active New Madrid Seismic Zone — an area known for small but frequent tremors. Local emergency officials said no power or utility disruptions occurred along I-55 or surrounding county roads.
While minor, experts emphasize that such activity underscores the ongoing potential for larger quakes in the region. Residents are urged to review safety plans: know interior safe spots to shelter during shaking, secure heavy furniture, and maintain flashlights and emergency kits.
Seismologists will continue monitoring the Bootheel region through the weekend as cooler fall conditions settle in. Saturday’s quake serves as another reminder that the Mid-South remains one of the nation’s most closely watched seismic zones.
