Did You Feel It? Earthquake Recorded In Lake Michigan Wednesday

Earthquakes in Illinois are not usually on our radar...until one happens.

Here in Illinois, we know the dangers that come with living in the Midwest. We watch the skies during tornado season, especially after the active and sometimes frightening weather patterns we’ve seen over the last couple of years. We prepare for dangerous heatwaves (and it looks like we may have another reminder of that coming soon). Then, when winter arrives, we know a sub-zero cold snap can turn dangerous in a matter of minutes.

But earthquakes? They’re usually pretty far down the list of things Illinois residents worry about.

That is, until the ground starts moving.

A view of a city skyline from the water

On Wednesday, An Earthquake Definitely Showed Up On Our Radar

A small earthquake was reported Wednesday in Lake Michigan, roughly 13 miles off the Evanston shoreline.

The magnitude 2.9 quake was not considered dangerous, but it certainly got people’s attention. Residents across parts of the Chicago area reported feeling shaking, with some wondering if the rumble came from construction, a truck passing by, or something else entirely.

The truth is, earthquakes are rare in Illinois, but they are not impossible. And if you want a reminder that the Midwest can experience serious seismic activity, look no further than the New Madrid Seismic Zone.

an aerial view of a large body of water

The New Madrid Fault System Has Produced Some Big Quakes Around Here In The Past

The New Madrid fault system, located mainly in the area of southeastern Missouri, northeastern Arkansas, Tennessee and Kentucky, produced one of the strongest earthquake sequences in American history during the winter of 1811-1812. Scientists estimate the largest quakes were around magnitude 7.5 or greater.

Those earthquakes were so powerful that they changed the landscape. Reports from the time described ground movement, damaged buildings, landslides, and areas where the earth actually opened and released water and sand. Some accounts even described the Mississippi River appearing to briefly flow backward because of the violent shaking.

Illinois felt the effects of those New Madrid earthquakes, and today scientists continue to monitor the region because a repeat of a major event, while unlikely, is still possible.

So, let's continue to monitor the weather, but keep in the back of your mind the fact that Illinois is not earthquake-proof.