Lake Santeetlah – Nearly one year to the date that Graham County felt a 4.1-magnitude earthquake, another spread tremors throughout one municipality.
The United States Geological Survey confirmed that a 2.2-magnitude earthquake was detected around 12:26 a.m., May 7, in the area of the Town of Lake Santeetlah. The depth was measured at 4.9 kilometers (roughly three miles).
Another pair of earthquakes were measured near Alcoa, Tenn., at 3:59 a.m., and 4:24 a.m., Sunday. The first registered 2.2; the second was a 2.0.
On May 10, 2025, a 4.1 earthquake began around 9:04 a.m., with the epicenter off U.S. 129 in Blount County, Tenn.'s Chilhowee Lake. Tremors were reported as far away as Atlanta, Charlotte and Greenville, S.C.
Prior to 2025, 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.
The most impactful earthquake in the area 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.