Knoxville, Tenn. – A minor earthquake shook parts of East Tennessee on Tuesday afternoon, with tremors felt southeast of Knoxville. The U.S. Geological Survey reported a 2.5 magnitude quake struck around 3:29 p.m. local time, centered about 6 kilometers southeast of Seymour in Sevier County.
According to the Center for Earthquake Research and Information at the University of Memphis, the quake originated at a depth of about 15 kilometers. No damage or injuries have been reported, but residents in parts of Sevier and Knox counties may have felt light shaking.
East Tennessee lies within the Southern Appalachian Seismic Zone, where small quakes occur occasionally but rarely cause significant damage. Local emergency management officials noted that Tuesday’s tremor serves as a reminder for residents to be prepared, keeping emergency kits, water, and battery-powered radios on hand.
Drivers in the Knoxville metro area reported no disruptions on major highways, including I-40 and I-75. Schools and businesses in Sevier County continued normal operations. Authorities stress that no aftershocks have been detected but advise residents to report unusual shaking through the USGS “Did You Feel It?” survey to improve regional monitoring.
More information is expected if seismic activity continues, though experts emphasize no elevated risk is forecast for the immediate area.