Chilhowee – Residents and visitors alike were stirred from their Saturday morning slumber by an earthquake across state lines.
According to the United States Geological Survey's website, a 4.1 magnitude earthquake rumbled to life around 9:04 a.m., with the epicenter located just a few miles removed from the Tail of the Dragon's northern terminus on U.S. 129 in Blount County, Tenn. Tremors were reported as far away as Atlanta, Charlotte and Greenville, S.C.
With a reported depth of 16 miles, the U.S. Geological Survey added that aftershocks were possible throughout the following week. The likelihood of a 3.0 was estimated to be 24%; a 4.0 was far less likely, at 1%.
Due to its proximity, Fontana Dam was closed for a non-emergency inspection by the Tennessee Valley Authority. Tennessee Valley Authority Media Senior Specialist Adam May said on-site employees were used to complete the inspection. Precautionary inspections were also conducted by the TVA on both the Fort Loudon and Tellico dams in Tennessee; no damage was reported at any of the three sites.
The Foothills Parkway between Wears Valley and Walland, Tenn., was closed soon after the quake, as Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials requested a safety inspection to rule out any potential damage to the road from the Federal Highway Administration. The closure will remain in effect until further notice, according to the park.
Robbinsville's last earthquake of significance took place around 7:37 p.m., Feb. 17, 1988. The 3.5-magnitude event was 3.1 miles deep and was centered in Graham County. Saturday's was the fourth-largest in the immediate area in recent history. The most impactful was when a 4.7 struck near Alcoa, Tenn., at 2:48 a.m., Nov. 30, 1973.
By comparison, the largest earthquake ever recorded was a 9.5 and took place off the coast of Southern Chile on May 22, 1960.