York, South Carolina: A Double Dose of Natural Events
It’s been quite an eventful week here in York, South Carolina. Just as the state is gearing up for the anticipated impact of Hurricane Helene, Mother Nature surprised us with an earthquake late Tuesday night. Can you believe it? The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed a 1.7 magnitude earthquake at 11:52 p.m. in the York County area, right near the North Carolina border. It was quite a night for our little corner of the world!
What Happened?
According to the South Carolina Emergency Management Division, the earthquake occurred about 4.5 miles below the surface, specifically in the space between Catawba, South Carolina, and Jaars, North Carolina. This isn’t the first time this year we’ve had an earthquake shake things up. In fact, this was the 16th confirmed earthquake in South Carolina so far in 2024, and it comes on the heels of some earlier seismic activity this month.
Just a little more than a week ago, the earth beneath our feet was rumbling with three different earthquakes in a span of three days. The quakes ranged from 2.1 to 2.5 in magnitude and were recorded in Kershaw County. A couple of days later, a 2.2-magnitude quake was registered in Chesterfield County. Talk about an unusual streak of activity!
History of Quakes
It’s interesting to note that this recent earthquake event is not an isolated incident. In fact, we’ve seen an uptick in earthquakes throughout the state. South Carolina usually averages about six to ten earthquakes each year, but since January 18, 2021, there have been a whopping 134 earthquakes recorded!
The historic norm used to be only a handful of small quakes, primarily located in the Midlands area of the state. However, Kershaw County stands out with a remarkable total of 64 earthquakes since June 2022 alone. That area has been the center of some significant seismic events, including two of the largest quakes we’ve seen in recent history—a pair of quakes measuring 3.5 and 3.6 in magnitude on June 29, 2022.
No Major Damage Reported
Despite the flurry of seismic activity, the good news is that no significant damage or injuries have been reported from any of the recent quakes. Most of the time, earthquakes that measure 2.5 or below barely go noticed. In fact, they’re often only recorded by seismographs. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division classified Tuesday night’s earthquake as a micro quake on the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale.
State officials encourage anyone who felt the tremors to report their experience to the USGS. Every little bit helps scientists understand what’s happening beneath our feet!
What’s Next?
While the frequency of these quakes can be a bit unsettling, experts assure residents there’s no immediate cause for alarm regarding a heavy earthquake. According to Kim Stenson, director of the South Carolina Emergency Management Division, “We do not expect a significantly damaging earthquake in South Carolina at this time.” He did, however, advise residents to review their insurance coverage for earthquakes and take precautions to secure their belongings at home.
Some scientists speculate the increase in seismic activity could be connected in some way to the Wateree River, especially after periods of heavy rainfall. However, there’s still no definitive answer to why we’re experiencing these frequent tremors. During a prior town hall discussion, state geologist Scott Howard mentioned that it’s possible as many as 200 smaller quakes might have gone unnoticed. Isn’t that mind-boggling?
Wrap-Up
As we brace for Hurricane Helene later this week, it’s hard not to think about the unpredictability of nature. Here in York, the recent earthquake reminds us of how important it is to stay prepared, regardless of what Mother Nature decides to throw our way. Let’s stay safe and keep an ear out for any more shaking! Who knows what the next week has in store for us?
