Northern Illinois Experiences Early Morning Earthquake

Somonauk earthquake registers 3.4 magnitude, felt across Western Chicago suburbs early Monday

Photo byMia BoskoviconUnsplash

CHICAGO - Northern Illinois was jolted by an earthquake early Monday morning, as a 3.4 magnitude tremor struck near Somonauk at 2:53 a.m. local time, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Somonauk, situated about 64 miles west of Chicago, became the epicenter of the quake.

Residents in western suburbs and cities, including Aurora, reported experiencing mild shaking. Despite the noticeable tremors, the USGS indicated that the earthquake was not powerful enough to cause damage. Earthquake damage typically occurs at magnitudes of 4 or 5, though factors such as proximity to the epicenter and building construction can influence the impact.

Monday's event marks the first earthquake in Illinois to exceed a magnitude of 3.0 since December 2023.