What would a massive earthquake mean for Memphis?

Good morning, Memphis!

This is Metro Editor Corinne Kennedy, and you're reading the Daily Briefing, our one-stop digital shop for the best Memphis stories from our award-winning Commercial Appeal team. And, as always, we're here to curate some of the best stories from some of the area's best journalists.

From Dec. 16, 1811, to Feb. 7, 1812, three major earthquakes violently shook part of the central United States. Where there were settlements, there was damage; but the area was still considered the frontier and contained no large cities. But as time passed, Memphis was founded, just 40 miles away from one of the three New Madrid faults.

Its population grew, along with the populations of other nearby towns. They constructed homes, hospitals, restaurants, and hotels. They constructed towers visible from the sky. And if earthquakes like the ones from 1811 and 1812 were ever again felt in the seismic zone, there would be no shortage of opportunities for destruction.

In this story, John Klyce took a look at what a major earthquake could mean for Memphis now, as well as how likely "the big one" is. John also talked to experts about what Memphians can do to prepare for an earthquake and what you should do if one happens. That advice is in this story.

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Catch up: This story has the details on what you might have missed in Memphis and Shelby County politics last week, including details on negotiations around the Shelby County Sheriff's Office budget.

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