Weekend Earthquake Swarm Shakes Upstate — Tremors Felt in Laurens County

Residents across Laurens County reported feeling the ground move this weekend as a series of small earthquakes rattled the Upstate. The strongest, a magnitude 3.0 quake just after midnight Saturday, was centered near Coronaca in Greenwood County but sent vibrations far enough that people in Laurens and surrounding communities noticed the jolt.

A Series of Tremors

According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), at least seven quakes struck between late Friday night and early Monday morning, most clustered near Coronaca, about 20 miles from Laurens.

• Saturday, Aug. 23 (overnight): Seven tremors between midnight and 4 a.m., ranging from 1.7 to 3.0 magnitude.

• Saturday afternoon: An eighth quake, magnitude 1.7, hit around 3:19 p.m.

• Sunday into Monday: At least two additional smaller quakes registered at 1.5–2.0 magnitude.

The 3.0 quake was the most widely felt, with more than 200 people across the Upstate logging reports on the USGS “Did You Feel It?” site.

Local Impact

While no damage or injuries were reported, the string of earthquakes was unusual in its frequency. Laurens County residents who were awake in the early hours of Saturday described feeling their houses shake lightly, with some comparing it to a large truck passing by.

The South Carolina Emergency Management Division reminds residents that the Palmetto State averages 10–20 small quakes each year, though most go unfelt. Clusters like the one over the weekend highlight the importance of earthquake preparedness.

Looking Ahead

For Laurens County, the weekend swarm serves as a reminder that even though the Upstate isn’t known for major earthquakes, tremors are part of the landscape. Emergency officials suggest securing heavy objects in the home, reviewing family emergency plans, and considering earthquake insurance.