ARKANSAS — 3 small earthquakes were reported across Arkansas and neighboring Tennessee on October 6 and 7, including tremors near Jasper in Newton County, Bull Shoals in Marion County and Tiptonville, Tennessee.
The earthquakes ranged in magnitude from 1.7 to 2.1, according to information listed by Earthquake Track.
The seismic activity comes just days before the Great ShakeOut earthquake preparedness drill, scheduled for Thursday, October 15.
EARTHQUAKE NEAR JASPER, ARKANSAS
The strongest of the 3 reported earthquakes occurred Tuesday, October 6, near Jasper in Newton County.
The earthquake registered a magnitude of 2.1, with a reported depth of approximately 3.1 miles. The event was recorded at approximately 4:25 PM Central Daylight Time.
Jasper is located in the Ozark Mountains of north-central Arkansas, an area that occasionally experiences small earthquakes.
EARTHQUAKE NEAR BULL SHOALS, ARKANSAS
A second earthquake was reported early Wednesday morning, October 7, near Bull Shoals in Marion County.
The earthquake registered a magnitude of 1.7, with a reported depth of approximately 1.2 miles. The tremor occurred at approximately 4:13 AM Central Daylight Time.
Bull Shoals is located near the Arkansas-Missouri state line.
EARTHQUAKE NEAR TIPTONVILLE, TENNESSEE
A third earthquake was recorded Wednesday evening, October 7, near Tiptonville in northwestern Tennessee.
The earthquake measured magnitude 2.0, with a reported depth of approximately 5 miles. The tremor occurred at approximately 6:14 PM Central Daylight Time.
Tiptonville is located near Reelfoot Lake, in a region associated with the New Madrid Seismic Zone.
The New Madrid Seismic Zone extends through portions of the central United States, including northeastern Arkansas, southeastern Missouri and western Tennessee.
SHOULD ARKANSAS RESIDENTS BE CONCERNED?
The 3 earthquakes were relatively small, ranging from magnitude 1.7 to 2.1.
Earthquakes of this size are often detected by sensitive seismic monitoring equipment without being noticed by nearby residents. They rarely cause significant damage.
The available reports do not establish that the 3 earthquakes were related, and small earthquakes do not necessarily indicate that a larger earthquake is approaching.
No injuries or damage were confirmed in the supplied earthquake reports.
GREAT SHAKEOUT EARTHQUAKE DRILL SCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER 15
The recent earthquake activity comes as Arkansas residents prepare for the annual Great ShakeOut earthquake preparedness drill.
The 2026 drill is scheduled for Thursday, October 15, at 10:15 AM. Schools, businesses, government offices, families and individuals are encouraged to participate.
The recommended earthquake safety procedure is DROP, COVER AND HOLD ON.
DROP: Drop to your hands and knees to help prevent being knocked down during earthquake shaking.
COVER: Cover your head and neck, taking shelter under a sturdy desk or table when available.
HOLD ON: Hold on to your shelter until the shaking stops.
Emergency preparedness officials encourage Arkansas families to review their emergency plans and identify safe locations in their homes, schools and workplaces.
EARTHQUAKE ACTIVITY IN ARKANSAS
Arkansas and neighboring states have a history of seismic activity, particularly in areas associated with the New Madrid Seismic Zone.
The New Madrid Seismic Zone is among the best-known earthquake regions in the central United States.
Although the reported earthquakes near Jasper, Bull Shoals and Tiptonville were relatively minor, they serve as a reminder that earthquakes can occur throughout the region.
Residents can monitor earthquake activity and obtain updated information through the United States Geological Survey.
SOURCES:
Earthquake Track
United States Geological Survey
Great ShakeOut Earthquake Preparedness
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