Trenton, GA — Residents across Dade County were jolted awake Saturday morning as tremors from a 4.1 magnitude earthquake out of eastern Tennessee rippled through northwest Georgia, shaking homes and startling many in the quiet mountain community.
The U.S. Geological Survey reported the earthquake struck just after 9 a.m. EDT, with its epicenter near Greenback, Tennessee — about 30 miles south of Knoxville and approximately 70 miles from Trenton. Despite the distance, the quake’s impact was felt throughout the Sequatchie Valley and Lookout Mountain areas, including Dade County and neighboring towns along the Georgia-Tennessee border.
Local residents in Trenton, Rising Fawn, and Wildwood described hearing a low rumble followed by brief but noticeable shaking. Some reported their walls and windows vibrating; others said they initially mistook it for a passing truck or a rock blast from the mountains.
“My whole living room shook, and I thought a tree had fallen on the house,” said one Trenton resident. “It was over in just a few seconds, but it was strong enough to make you stop and wonder what just happened.”
Dade County emergency services reported no injuries or significant damage, but officials are asking homeowners to inspect their property for any cracks or issues and report anything unusual.
The tremor was part of a broader seismic event felt across several states, with reports coming in from south of Atlanta and as far east as western North Carolina. Several weather stations in Chattanooga and North Georgia confirmed they, too, experienced the quake.
While earthquakes aren’t common in this part of the state, they do occasionally occur due to underlying faults in the Southern Appalachian region. The USGS is continuing to monitor for possible aftershocks, though none have been confirmed so far.
Residents are encouraged to review emergency preparedness plans and make sure heavy items in the home are secure, especially in areas where tremors might occur again.