Two early-morning earthquakes in Tennessee could be felt in parts of northern Alabama on Wednesday.
The United States Geological Survey reported the first quake as a 4.4 magnitude in Decatur, Tennessee that happened at 3:14 a.m. The second was a 3.3 magnitude, also in Decatur about ten minutes later.
According to a map from the USGS, people reported feeling the first earthquake in Huntsville, Decatur, and the Gadsden area. The agency’s map did not show the effects of the second earthquake in Alabama.
Some people as far south as Trussville said on social media they felt the vibrations.
On Twitter, the Tennessee Valley Authority said the quakes did not affect their operations.
The USGS said a magnitude of 3.0 to 3.9, like the second earthquake, will be “felt quite noticeably," but many people do not realize the vibrations are an earthquake. A magnitude of 4.0 to 4.9 will be felt by most people indoors, because dishes and windows may rattle and walls could make a “cracking sound.”
TVA facilities are designed to withstand seismic events & were not impacted by Wednesday morning’s earthquake. They continue to safely operate. Personnel are currently conducting further inspections as a precaution. Our top priority remains the safety of the public.
— Tennessee Valley Authority (@TVAnews) December 12, 2018