Expert says earthquakes could impact Tennessee

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — When thinking about natural disasters in the area tornadoes, flooding, and extreme heat come to mind, but earthquakes are another hazard that could impact Middle Tennessee.

Brian Blake, the Executive Director of the Central U.S. Earthquake Consortium, said earthquakes have been impacting Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky for millennia.

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Blake said the 4.4 earthquake that impacted Los Angeles earlier this week could happen here. Tennessee is located between two seismic zones.

The New Madrid is to the west, and the East Tennessee Fault is to the east.

Blake said a destructive one could occur at any time.

“We have the potential for a large damaging earthquake, upwards of about a 40% chance, that could occur basically at any given time according to the U.S. Geological Survey,” said Blake.

Blake mentioned that the 40% chance is for a 5.0 or larger earthquake occurring over the next 50 years. He said if a large earthquake did happen in either the New Madrid or East Tennessee Seismic Zone the impacts to Middle Tennessee would likely be minor.

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As far as preparing for an earthquake, Blake said to prepare like you would for other natural disasters. That means having a grab-and-go bag at work and keeping extra supplies at home.

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