LEXINGTON COUNTY, South Carolina. A small earthquake shook parts of the Midlands on Thursday afternoon, with residents across Lexington and Columbia reporting brief but noticeable tremors.
The United States Geological Survey recorded the quake at magnitude 3.0 just before 12:30 p.m. local time near Lake Murray in Lexington County. Officials initially listed the event at magnitude 3.4 before revising it downward in a later update.
According to USGS data, the epicenter was located about 2.8 miles north of Lexington at a very shallow depth, which can make minor quakes more noticeable at the surface.
Residents in Columbia, Irmo, Seven Oaks, and Oak Grove reported light shaking and rattling windows. One newsroom in Columbia confirmed staff felt the tremor during the midday broadcast window.
While USGS noted the possibility of light damage near the Red Bank and Pelion areas, authorities said no injuries or significant structural damage had been confirmed as of Thursday afternoon.
Small earthquakes in the magnitude 3 range are typically considered minor but can still be felt indoors, especially when they occur at shallow depths.
Officials continue to monitor the situation as more community reports come in.
