2 earthquakes recorded minutes apart in western North Carolina

Laura Smith
·1 min read

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Two small earthquakes were detected within minutes of each other on Tuesday morning near the Virginia-North Carolina border.

According to the United States Geological Survey, both 2.3 magnitude earthquakes occurred just miles away from Sparta, North Carolina at 4:41 a.m. and 5:16 a.m.

10th earthquake this year hits western NC early Thursday

The 2.3 magnitude earthquake at 4:41 a.m. was reported just 1.3 miles east of Sparta and about 38 miles ENE of Boone, NC. It was 4 miles deep.

The 2.3 magnitude earthquake at 5:16 a.m. was reported 3.6 miles SE of Sparta and 37 miles ENE of Boone. There have been 14 recorded earthquakes in North Carolina this year.

In August 2020, a 5.1 magnitude earthquake struck Sparta, rattling homes, businesses and residents. Alleghany County declared a state of emergency following the strongest earthquake to hit the state in over 100 years.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS17.com.