Several small earthquakes have been recorded across northern Arkansas and surrounding states during the final 2 weeks of October, including seismic activity near Yellville in Marion County, Mountain Home in Baxter County, and Tiptonville, Tennessee, near the New Madrid Seismic Zone.
According to earthquake data reviewed by the U.S. Geological Survey, the strongest of the 2 Arkansas earthquakes measured 2.4 in magnitude and occurred near Yellville early Thursday morning, October 29, 2026.
The earthquake struck at approximately 12:44 a.m. Central Daylight Time, about 2 miles east of Yellville. It was recorded at a depth of approximately 4.8 miles beneath the surface.
The agency classified the event as a minor earthquake. No public reports of shaking were recorded for the Yellville event.
Earthquake Recorded Near Mountain Home
Just days earlier, another small earthquake was recorded in Baxter County.
A magnitude 2.1 earthquake occurred at approximately 7:46 p.m. Sunday, October 25, about 2 miles east of Mountain Home. The earthquake originated approximately 6.6 miles beneath the surface.
The U.S. Geological Survey’s public reporting system showed 9 responses from people who reported feeling the Mountain Home earthquake.
Although the magnitude was relatively small, the event attracted attention because of its proximity to populated areas of northern Arkansas.
Additional Earthquake Near Tiptonville, Tennessee
Seismic monitors also detected a magnitude 2.3 earthquake near Tiptonville, Tennessee, Thursday afternoon, October 29.
The earthquake occurred around 2:20 p.m. Central Daylight Time, approximately 4 miles southwest of Tiptonville, at a depth of approximately 6.7 miles.
Tiptonville is located in the region associated with the New Madrid Seismic Zone, one of the most historically significant earthquake-producing regions in the central United States.
Other Recent Regional Earthquakes
Additional earthquake activity reported during October included:
- October 28: Magnitude 1.7 near Matthews, Missouri
- October 24: Magnitude 1.8 near Lilbourn and Marston, Missouri
- October 22: Magnitude 1.7 near Ridgely, Tennessee
- October 22: Magnitude 1.7 near White Oak, Mississippi
- October 19: Magnitude 2.0 near Newbern, Tennessee
- October 18: Magnitude 1.9 in southeastern Missouri near Steele
These reports show continued low-level seismic activity across several communities in the central United States. The events are not necessarily related, and the occurrence of multiple small earthquakes does not, by itself, indicate that a larger earthquake is imminent.
Why Earthquakes Occur in Arkansas
While earthquakes are more commonly associated with California and the western United States, Arkansas also experiences seismic activity.
The New Madrid Seismic Zone extends through parts of the central Mississippi Valley and affects areas of northeastern Arkansas, southeastern Missouri, western Tennessee and neighboring states.
The region is historically known for a series of powerful earthquakes during the winter of 1811 and 1812. Those earthquakes were strong enough to cause extensive ground movement and changes to the landscape along portions of the Mississippi River. Scientists continue monitoring the New Madrid region because of its potential for damaging earthquakes.
However, not every earthquake recorded in Arkansas is associated with the New Madrid Seismic Zone. Seismic activity can also occur in other portions of the state, including the Ozark region.
Should Arkansas Residents Be Concerned?
Earthquakes measuring between magnitude 1 and magnitude 3 are generally considered small events. Most earthquakes of this size cause little or no damage, and some are detected only by sensitive seismic monitoring equipment.
The U.S. Geological Survey reports that earthquake damage generally becomes more likely with considerably stronger events, although the effects depend on location, depth, soil conditions and nearby structures.
Residents who feel shaking are encouraged to report it through the U.S. Geological Survey’s “Did You Feel It?” program at earthquake.usgs.gov/data/dyfi. These reports help scientists identify where shaking occurred and how strongly it was felt.
Arkansas Earthquake Monitoring Continues
The U.S. Geological Survey continues monitoring earthquakes across Arkansas and the surrounding New Madrid region. Residents can review earthquake activity, magnitudes, locations and depths at earthquake.usgs.gov.
ArkansasRadio.com News will continue following seismic activity across northern Arkansas and the New Madrid region.
SOURCE: U.S. Geological Survey
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