Last Updated on October 25, 2025 11:19 am
Two small earthquakes were recorded near Marion in McDowell County on Friday, according to the United States Geological Survey.
The first quake, measured at 2.2 magnitude, was centered 2.2 miles north-northwest of Marion at 1:20 a.m. The second quake measured 2.1 magnitude and was centered 2.1 miles northwest of Marion at 6:35 a.m.
Both earthquakes were minor and typical of seismic activity in the region. No damage or injuries were reported.
Western North Carolina lies within the Eastern Tennessee seismic zone and experiences infrequent, minor earthquakes due to ancient underlying fault lines. While not as seismically active as the U.S. West Coast, small tremors are not uncommon in the High Country region.
The USGS monitors seismic activity throughout the United States and provides real-time earthquake information to the public and emergency management agencies.
Earthquakes of this magnitude are generally not felt by most people and rarely cause any damage to structures or infrastructure.
For more information on the history of earthquakes in the High Country visit the High Country Earthquake History page.
Graphics: USGS
