Region's strongest earthquake in decades ripples through Western North Carolina

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — News 13 is following breaking news of an earthquake on Sunday morning, August 9. According to the USGS, a significant earthquake took place near Sparta, North Carolina around 8:07 am.

This is near the North Carolina/Virginia border and approximately 95 miles northeast of Asheville.

Chief Meteorologist Jason Boyer said it registered (preliminary) as a 5.1 on the Richter Scale, one of the strongest to occur in this region in decades.

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Reports of feeling the earthquake are coming in from all across Western North Carolina, and as far south as Atlanta, Georgia and Columbia, South Carolina. Property damage is likely, closer to the epicenter.

On Sunday, the USGS stated that the most recent 5.1 earthquake reported in the region was one in 1916. Later, a spokesperson for the USGS Earthquake Information Center in Golden, Colorado clarified that the 1916 earthquake that occurred closest to the region was in fact 5.2 in magnitude.

News 13 is working to learn and clarify more information on earthquakes in the area.

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Stay with News 13 as we continue to update you on this event.

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