GREENWOOD COUNTY, S.C. — Residents near Lake Greenwood were jolted awake early Saturday as a rare earthquake swarm shook the region, rattling homes across Greenwood and Laurens Counties.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, seven quakes struck between 12:00 a.m. and 3:40 a.m., ranging in magnitude from 1.8 to 3.0. All originated along a section of the Saluda River on the northern end of Lake Greenwood.
Strongest Tremors Felt by Hundreds
The first two tremors were also the strongest — a 2.9 magnitude at 12:17 a.m. followed by a 3.0 magnitude at 12:23 a.m.. Both were widely felt, with more than 200 people reporting shaking from the larger quake.
While no damage has been reported, residents described windows rattling and furniture shaking during the back-to-back tremors.
Part of a Larger Pattern
This latest swarm brings the total number of quakes in the Greenwood area to 10 within the past week. Earlier events included a 2.2 magnitude quake near Coronaca on Monday, a 1.7 magnitude south of Coronaca on Tuesday, and a 2.0 magnitude near Ware Shoals on Wednesday…