Highlights:
-
A 3.8-magnitude earthquake occurred around 1:27 a.m. Tuesday near Ohlman, Illinois
-
The earthquake was felt across central Illinois, the Metro East, and the St. Louis region
-
No injuries or property damage have been reported
-
The USGS said earthquakes of this size are generally not strong enough to cause damage
- Advertisement - -
Residents are encouraged to submit reports through the USGS “Did You Feel It?” program
An early-morning earthquake rattled central Illinois on Tuesday, briefly waking residents across the Metro East and parts of Missouri. The earthquake, measured at 3.8 magnitude, occurred in the early hours of January 20 and was widely felt, despite causing no reported injuries or property damage.
According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake struck at approximately 1:27 a.m. near the community of Ohlman, Illinois. The epicenter was located about 90 miles northeast of downtown St. Louis. The USGS said the earthquake originated roughly 5.5 miles below the surface, a relatively shallow depth that can make shaking more noticeable even when the magnitude is modest.
Earthquake details confirmed by USGS
The USGS reported that the earthquake was centered in central Illinois, a region that does not experience frequent seismic activity compared with areas along major fault lines in the western United States. However, the shaking was felt across a broad area due to local ground conditions and the time of day, when ambient noise levels are lower and residents are more likely to notice vibrations.
Dozens of residents reported feeling the earthquake across the Metro East region of Illinois and on the Missouri side of the Mississippi River. Communities where the earthquake was noticed included St. Louis, St. Charles, Hazelwood, Creve Coeur, and House Springs. Many residents described being awakened by brief shaking or rumbling, though the movement lasted only a short time.
Earthquake impact and damage assessment
The USGS noted that earthquakes of this size are generally not strong enough to cause damage. Structural damage is more likely when earthquakes reach magnitudes of 4.0 or higher, depending on factors such as depth, soil composition, and building construction. In this case, there were no immediate reports of damage to buildings, roads, or utilities.
Emergency management agencies in the region did not issue any alerts related to the earthquake, and no disruptions to transportation or essential services were reported. Officials continued to monitor the situation but indicated there was no cause for concern.
Earthquake activity in Illinois and the Midwest
While earthquakes are less common in Illinois than in states such as California or Alaska, seismic activity in the Midwest is not unusual. Illinois experiences occasional minor earthquakes, often linked to fault systems that run through the central United States. These include areas influenced by broader regional geology, such as the New Madrid Seismic Zone, which has historically produced significant earthquakes.
Most earthquakes recorded in Illinois are small and cause little or no damage. However, they are often widely felt because the region’s older, more rigid bedrock allows seismic waves to travel farther than in areas with softer geological formations.
Why the earthquake was widely felt
Several factors contributed to why this earthquake was noticeable across a large area. The shallow depth of the earthquake allowed seismic energy to reach the surface more efficiently. In addition, the quiet overnight conditions meant fewer competing vibrations from traffic or industrial activity, making the shaking easier to detect indoors.
Residents in both urban and suburban areas reported feeling light shaking, rattling objects, or brief movement. Some described hearing a low rumbling sound, which can occur when seismic waves interact with buildings.
USGS requests public reports after earthquake
USGS officials are encouraging anyone who felt the earthquake to participate in the agency’s “Did You Feel It?” program. The online reporting system allows residents to share information about what they experienced, including how strong the shaking felt and where they were located at the time.
These public reports play an important role in earthquake research, especially in regions with fewer seismic monitoring stations. The data helps scientists map how earthquakes are felt across different communities and improves understanding of local ground response during seismic events.
Earthquake serves as reminder of regional seismic risk
For many residents, the early-morning earthquake was brief but memorable. While the event caused no damage, it served as a reminder that seismic activity can occur even in parts of the country not typically associated with earthquakes.
Geologists continue to study earthquake patterns in the Midwest to better assess long-term risks. While large earthquakes are rare in Illinois, smaller events like this one highlight the importance of monitoring seismic activity and maintaining public awareness.
As of Tuesday, there were no reports of aftershocks, and officials said the situation remained stable. The USGS continues to track seismic activity across the region and will update its findings as more data becomes available.
