Greenwood County, August 24, 2025
News Summary
Greenwood County, South Carolina experienced a swath of earthquakes early Saturday morning, with a total of 7 quakes confirmed by the USGS. The strongest quake registered at a magnitude of 3.0. Over 200 residents reported feeling these seismic events, particularly centered near Coronaca. While the frequency of tremors has increased, no significant damage or injuries have been reported. The recent uptick in seismic activity has prompted local officials to recommend safety precautions for residents in the area.
Greenwood County, South Carolina
A series of earthquakes shook Greenwood County early Saturday morning, with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) confirming a total of 7 quakes by 11 a.m. Among these, the highest recorded magnitude was 3.0, which occurred at 12:23 a.m.. Over 200 people reported feeling the quake, marking a significant moment in the region’s seismic activity.
The recent tremors began with a quake measuring 2.9 on the Richter scale at 12:17 a.m., followed closely by the 3.0 magnitude quake shortly after. A third tremor occurred at 12:40 a.m., registering a magnitude of 2.5 and a fourth quake at 1:21 a.m. measured 1.5. All were part of an earthquake swarm centered in Greenwood County, particularly near Coronaca.
In total, Greenwood County has experienced 10 earthquakes in the past week alone, indicating an uptick in seismic activity for the area which is unusual but not unprecedented. On Monday and Tuesday, quakes of 2.2 and 1.7 magnitudes were also reported, contributing to the week’s total.
Despite the series of earthquakes, no major injuries or damage to property have been reported as of now. This pattern of seismic events is part of a larger trend, with 13 earthquakes recorded in South Carolina in 2025. Earthquakes with a magnitude of 2.5 or lower typically go unnoticed by the general public, being recorded only by seismographs.
The S.C. Geological Survey indicates that the state generally experiences between 6 to 10 earthquakes annually, with a total of 161 earthquakes recorded since January 18, 2021. The most significant earthquake in South Carolina occurred in Charleston in 1886, registering a devastating 7.3 magnitude.
In response to the increase in seismic activity, South Carolina Emergency Management officials recommend several precautions. Residents are advised to review their insurance policies for earthquake coverage, secure hazardous items within their homes, and practice earthquake safety measures.
Recent Earthquakes Summary
- Total earthquakes recorded: 10 (last week)
- Most significant earthquakes this week:
- 2.9 amplitude quake at 12:17 a.m.
- 3.0 amplitude quake at 12:23 a.m.
- 2.5 amplitude quake at 12:40 a.m.
- 1.5 amplitude quake at 1:21 a.m.
- No reported damage or injuries.
Seismic Activity Overview
Earthquakes commonly occur in South Carolina but are usually of lower magnitude. Most quakes go unnoticed unless they exceed a magnitude of 2.5. The current activity in Greenwood County, however, presents a remarkable case within a typically stable area.
FAQs
What magnitude earthquakes are considered significant?
Typically, earthquakes of magnitude 3.0 or higher can be felt, while those below 3.0 are often undetected by most people.
How many earthquakes occur in South Carolina each year?
On average, South Carolina experiences between 6 and 10 earthquakes each year.
What precautions should residents take for earthquake safety?
Residents are encouraged to review earthquake insurance policies, secure hazardous items at home, and practice emergency safety measures.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Greenwood County, South Carolina Shaken by Early Morning Earthquakes
Recent Earthquake Series Hits Greenwood County
Greenwood County Detects Minor Earthquakes
Greenwood County, South Carolina Experiences Two Small Earthquakes
Greenwood County, South Carolina Experiences Minor Earthquakes
Greenwood County, South Carolina Experiences Two Earthquakes Overnight
Two Earthquakes Shake Greenwood County, South Carolina
Additional Resources
- WLOS: Several Earthquakes Shake South Carolina
- Wikipedia: Earthquake
- WYFF4: Overnight Earthquakes in Greenwood County
- Google Search: Earthquake South Carolina
- WLTX: South Carolina Earthquakes
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Earthquake
- The State: Recent Earthquake Activity
- Google News: South Carolina Earthquakes
- WSPA: Four Earthquakes Recorded Overnight in Upstate
- Google Scholar: South Carolina Earthquake
- WXII: Earthquake in Upstate South Carolina
Author: HERE Greenwood
The GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGreenwood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Greenwood, Greenwood County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Flowers, Greenwood Community Theatre performances, and agricultural showcases at the Greenwood County Fairgrounds. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Greenwood United Ministry, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as FujiFilm Manufacturing and Self Regional Healthcare. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
