A magnitude 3.0 earthquake rattled central South Carolina on Thursday afternoon, with hundreds of residents reporting they felt the shaking. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported the quake struck at 12:15 p.m. Near Windward Point Road in the Lake Murray area, approximately 30 minutes west of downtown Columbia.
Within 20 minutes of the event, the USGS received reports from 253 individuals who felt the earthquake. The reports indicated light to moderate shaking, which typically does not cause significant damage. Reports originated from across the Midlands region, including Lexington, Columbia, and Irmo.
This earthquake is the most powerful recorded in South Carolina so far in 2026, according to USGS data. It follows a recent increase in seismic activity across the state. At least 12 earthquakes have been reported statewide since January 1st, including four in the same area of Lake Murray since February 13th. A magnitude 2.9 earthquake was recorded near Ladson, South Carolina on February 7th, according to AccuWeather.
The North Charleston area has also experienced increased seismic activity, with approximately six earthquakes reported this year. A seismic-like event was reported near Rock Hill on February 12th, though it was described as potentially not being an earthquake.
AccuWeather reported that eleven small earthquakes have occurred in South Carolina since mid-January, clustered near Charleston and adjacent areas, with magnitudes generally ranging between 1.5, and 3.0.
