Earthquakes

Forsyth County most often gets microearthquakes, or earthquakes with a magnitude of 2.0 or less. They are not commonly felt by people and are generally recorded only on local seismographs. The US Geological Survey's popular earthquakes map typically features earthquakes that are magnitude 4.0 or higher.

Report if you felt an Earthquake

Did you feel an Earthquake??? Use the US Geological Survey services "Did You Feel It?" reporting tool. Check out the link:

Did You Feel It?

Local Earthquake Maps

Earthquakes Centered in Forsyth County

2021

Between November 21, 2021 and November 27, 2021, the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County area endured a series of six small earthquakes and microearthquakes, ranging from a magnitude of 1.5 to 2.4. Many citizens reported hearing audible bangs and feeling small tremors, but no major damage was reported from the quakes.

2020

On March 26, 2020, a 1.8-magnitude earthquake took place just north of downtown Kernersville. There were no reports of major damage.

2019

On April 29, 2019, a 2.3-magnitude earthquake took place about 4 miles west of Kernersville. There were no reports of major damage.

2006

Between October 17 and November 3, 2006, southern and western Winston-Salem endured a series of five small earthquakes and microearthquakes, ranging from a magnitude of 1.3 to 2.6. Although there were several reports of cracked foundations of residential structures and many citizens reported hearing audible bangs and feeling small tremors, no major damage was reported from the quakes.

What Is an Earthquake?

An earthquake is a sudden, rapid shaking of the earth caused by the breaking and shifting of rock beneath the earth’s surface. This breaking and shifting happens when the rocks can no longer handle the forces that have built along fractures or fault lines.

Faults identified to date in North Carolina are ancient and inactive. The faults beneath the surface that generate earthquakes have yet to be positively identified.