Greenwood County, South Carolina, August 25, 2025

News Summary

Greenwood County, South Carolina, has seen a significant increase in seismic activity, with at least 10 earthquakes reported in the past week. Local authorities noted that these recent quakes, some reaching magnitudes of up to 3.0, have caught the attention of residents and officials. Fortunately, no damage or injuries have been reported, although the frequency of these tremors raises concerns about potential future seismic events in the region.

Greenwood County, South Carolina

Greenwood County, South Carolina, has experienced a significant surge in seismic activity, with at least 10 earthquakes confirmed over the past week. This week’s seismic events are among the most powerful tremors felt in the region in several years, attracting the attention of local authorities and residents alike.

Of the earthquakes recorded, seven occurred on Saturday, September 1, with magnitudes ranging from 1.7 to 3.0. The first two sizeable quakes, measuring 2.9 and 3.0, occurred just a few minutes apart shortly after midnight. These were followed by subsequent tremors of 2.5, 1.9, 2.0, 2.4, 1.8, and 1.7, marking a busy day for seismic activities.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquakes were centered near the Coronaca area, located within Greenwood County. This recent series of quakes follows a brief period of inactivity for the region, where no earthquakes were recorded between the previous series of tremors in October 2024 and this latest outbreak.

Prior to the recent seismic events, two additional earthquakes were confirmed in the same area, one on Monday, August 28, measuring 2.2, and another at 1.7 on Tuesday, August 29. Another tremor of magnitude 2.0 was also recorded closer to Ware Shoals late on August 20. With these additions, South Carolina has seen a total of 23 confirmed earthquakes since the start of the year.

Recent Seismic Activity Overview

Despite the uptick in seismic activity, local authorities have reported no significant damage or injuries resulting from the earthquakes. Most of these recent quakes have been classified as microquakes—earthquakes that are typically too small to cause any harm and are often felt only by a few people close to the epicenter. In fact, earthquakes of magnitude 2.5 or lower usually go unnoticed and are only detected by seismographs.

This pattern of seismic disturbances is not new to the Greenwood County region. In 2024, there were a total of 30 earthquakes reported statewide, while the previous year, 2023, saw 28 quakes. Historically, South Carolina experiences between six to ten earthquakes annually, with more than 155 earthquakes detected since January 2022.

Historical Context and Geological Insights

South Carolina’s largest recorded earthquake took place in Charleston in 1886, registering a formidable 7.3 magnitude. In more recent history, the strongest seismic activities were noted on June 29, 2022, with magnitudes of 3.5 and 3.6. There is ongoing research into the relationship between geological features like the Wateree River and the recent uptick in seismic activity, though no clear conclusions have been reached yet.

Local authorities encourage residents to remain prepared for possible future seismic events but do not anticipate a major earthquake stemming from the current activity. More than 320 individuals have reported feeling the earthquakes, underscoring the heightened awareness and concern amongst the local population.

Conclusion

As Greenwood County continues to experience an unusual frequency of seismic activity, residents are advised to remain vigilant and prepared. While the earthquakes have predominantly been minor, the potential for more significant events remains a concern for local authorities and experts alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused the recent earthquakes in Greenwood County?

The exact cause is not yet determined, but geological features in the region, such as the Wateree River, may play a role.

How strong were the earthquakes?

The earthquakes recorded in the past week ranged from 1.7 to 3.0 in magnitude.

Have there been damages reported due to the earthquakes?

No significant damages or injuries have been reported as a result of the recent seismic activity.

Is South Carolina prone to earthquakes?

South Carolina experiences between six to ten earthquakes on average each year, but the current frequency of events is particularly notable.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Greenwood County Experiences Seven Earthquakes
Series of Earthquakes Hit Greenwood County
Four Earthquakes Rattle Greenwood County, South Carolina
Greenwood County, South Carolina Hit by Series of Small Earthquakes
Greenwood County, SC Experiences Series of Earthquakes
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

Additional Resources

• WLTX: South Carolina Earthquakes
• Wikipedia: Earthquake
• ABC News 4: Small Earthquakes in South Carolina
• Google Search: South Carolina Earthquakes
• WIS TV: Numerous Earthquakes Detected
• Google Scholar: South Carolina Earthquakes
• Fox Weather: Fault Line SC Impacts
• Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina Earthquakes
• WXII 12: Earthquake in Upstate South Carolina
• Google News: South Carolina Earthquakes

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.