A low-magnitude earthquake shook northwestern South Carolina early Sunday morning, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
The 1.6-magnitude quake struck at approximately 1:30 a.m. on Feb. 9, with an epicenter in Pickens County, about a mile east of Lake Jocassee near Cane Creek Road. The earthquake had a depth of 1.9 kilometers.
While no damage was reported, 11 people told the USGS they felt the tremor, with reports coming from as far away as Spartanburg and Anderson.
This marks the third earthquake recorded in South Carolina so far in 2025. The state previously experienced a 1.9-magnitude quake on Jan. 8 near Jenkinsville and a 2.0-magnitude tremor on Jan. 31 near Elgin.
Though South Carolina is not known for frequent seismic activity, small earthquakes occasionally occur, particularly in the Midlands and northwestern parts of the state. The USGS continues to monitor seismic activity in the region.
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Thomas Hyslip lives in Tega Cay with his wife and daughter. After 27 years in the U.S. Army and Federal Law Enforcement, he retired to pursue his passion for teaching. Tom is now an Assistant Professor of Instruction at the University of South Florida. In 2 short years he has won 10 awards from the South Carolina Press Association, including first place in column writing, education beat reporting and best podcast.
