3.9-Magnitude Earthquake Rattles Southeast Missouri

A sharp reminder of the New Madrid Seismic Zone’s power hit the Missouri Bootheel yesterday afternoon. Initially reported as a 4.0, the USGS has refined the event to a 3.9-magnitude earthquake.

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Fast Facts

• When: Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 12:59 p.m. local time.
• Epicenter: Centered near Holcomb and Cooter, MO (approx. 12 km deep).
• Impact Zone: The tremor was felt across four states, including Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Kentucky.

Impact & Damage

While the quake was strong enough to rattle windows and move furniture, no major injuries or structural damage have been reported. Most residents described it as a sudden, brief jolt that lasted only a few seconds.

Why It Matters

Quakes of this magnitude are relatively rare for the region. While the New Madrid fault is active, most of its activity consists of micro-quakes under 2.0. Yesterday’s event is a clear signal that the fault remains a significant geological feature.

Did you feel it? You can help seismic researchers by submitting your experience to the USGS “Did You Feel It?” database.