PITTSBURGH — A 3.3 magnitude earthquake was reported near the southern Ohio-West Virginia border on Monday afternoon.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred around 4:40 p.m., about 3 kilometers northwest of Chesapeake, Ohio, and 165 miles southwest of Pittsburgh.
People in West Virginia and Kentucky reported feeling the quake, with over 300 reports sent to the USGS. The earthquake occurred at a depth of about 3 miles.
The USGS explains that a 3.3 magnitude earthquake usually causes weak shaking. People indoors, especially on upper floors, may notice it, and parked cars might rock slightly. Many people don’t immediately realize it’s an earthquake.
No damage or injuries were reported.
Ohio experiences earthquakes from time to time. Last year, the state had at least four earthquakes, including a 3.7 magnitude quake in August.
Globally, small earthquakes like these are common. There are about one million 2.0 magnitude earthquakes per year, though they are rarely felt. Larger earthquakes, like those measuring 5.0, happen about 1,500 times a year, while an 8.0 magnitude earthquake typically occurs once per year.