ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A series of minor earthquakes has rattled the Lake Toxaway area of Western North Carolina over the past two weeks, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
The most recent tremor occurred at 1:03 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24, when a 2.1-magnitude earthquake struck 6.3 miles west of Rosman. Officials said the small quake likely went unnoticed by most residents.
A 2.2-magnitude earthquake struck the Fox Ridge area near Lake Toxaway on Wednesday, Sept. 17, prompting some reports of mild shaking. Another minor tremor, measuring 1.7, occurred at 12:45 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, on the northwestern edge of the lake near Cardinal and Fairway drives. No one reported feeling that quake.
Since May 30, at least a dozen earthquakes have been recorded within five miles of Lake Toxaway, with magnitudes ranging from 1.7 to 2.4. Experts note that quakes less than magnitude 3.0 are generally considered weak and rarely cause damage.
Residents who felt any of the quakes are encouraged to report their experiences to the USGS here.