With 17 earthquakes recorded during 2024, the state of Georgia experienced more earthquakes than ever over the past 50 years. In fact, Georgia shook at its literal core three times more frequently than average since 1974.
That’s according to data collected and reported by the US Geological Survey.
Plus, Georgia recorded its southernmost earthquake of the past 50 years during 2024, with an August quake occuring near Hagan, GA, approximately 50 miles west northwest of Savannah. The vast majority of Georgia’s earthquakes over the past 50 years have occured in the far Northeast corner of the state, between Chattanogga, TN, and Ringgold, GA, or along the Savannah River northwest of Augusta, GA.
Georgia’s strongest 2024 earthquake was recorded on Sept. 3, located two miles of Tunnel Hill, GA. The magnitude 2.5 quake occured around 2 am in a mostly rural area. Only four residents reported feeling the quake, and no damage was reported, according to USGS data.
One of the year’s most notable Georgia quakes shook the area near Buford Dam on Lake Lanier in June. The magnitude 2.5 earthquake occured on June 6 less than 2 miles east of the dam. That quake was one of four recorded along the hilly shore of Lake Lanier between June 6 and June 13, 2024.