Rare Event: 4.2 Earthquake Confirmed in Michigan

Michigan is not in the United State’s aptly called “Earthquake Country” – the western United States.  In fact, it’s not anywhere close. However, the USGS has confirmed that the state experienced one of the largest earthquakes in their history today – a magnitude 4.2.  The strongest earthquake to ever hit Michigan was a magnitude 4.6 way back in 1947 – almost 70 years ago!

According to an article on Mlive.com:

UPDATE: The USGS has upgraded the earthquake to 4.2 magnitude

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — The National Weather Service has confirmed that an earthquake was experienced by West Michigan on Saturday afternoon. Early reports indicate an earthquake of a 4.0 magnitude located 5 miles south of Galesburg, MI.

According to the USGS, the largest earthquake in Michigan was in 1947 with a magnitude of 4.6.

Social media posts say the tremors were felt from Chicago to Detroit.

According to a related article on Mlive.com:

The quake prompted emergency calls from across the Kalamazoo-area, tying up dispatch lines in Kalamazoo County, Kalmazoo Public Safety Lt. Scott Bowling said.

As of early Saturday afternoon, there were no reports of any injuries, or major damages, sustained during the quake.