2 earthquakes reported hours apart in North Carolina community, USGS says

Mark Price, The Charlotte Observer on Mar 24, 2026

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. —Two shallow earthquakes were reported late Monday in Dillsboro, North Carolina, and hundreds of people have reported they felt the shaking, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Both of the quakes count as mild – a 2.7 magnitude around 8 p.m. and a 2.2 magnitude just after 10 p.m. – which are often too subtle to be felt.

However, the 2.7 quake prompted nearly 800 witness reports from people who said they felt weak shaking, including one person 295 miles east in Raleigh.

The 2.7 quake was centered about 6.8 miles southwest of Dillsboro and the 2.2 quake was nearby at 6.2 miles southwest of Dillsboro, maps show.

Just over a dozen people have reported they felt weak shaking during the 2.2 quake, data shows. (The magnitude quake was adjusted up from 1.7 on Tuesday.)

Earthquakes of 2.5 or lower are typically not felt by people, experts say. Once above 2.5, people feel shaking and minor damage can occur. Significant damage to buildings and structures begins to happen when the magnitude tops 5.5, experts say.

Dillsboro is about a 165-mile drive west from uptown Charlotte.

What to do in an earthquake

Earthquakes’ sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches. They can happen anywhere, but they’re most common in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Puerto Rico and Washington, according to the Department of Homeland Security. If an earthquake strikes, it’s best to protect yourself right away. Here are tips from experts:

•If you’re in a car: Pull over and stop. Set your parking brake.

•If you’re in bed: Turn face-down and cover your head with a pillow.

•If you’re outdoors: Stay away from buildings. Don’t go inside.

•If you’re inside: Stay and don’t run outdoors. Stay away from doorways

The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover and hold on, officials say.

“Wherever you are, drop down to your hands and knees and hold onto something sturdy,” officials say. “If you’re using a wheelchair or walker with a seat, make sure your wheels are locked and remain seated until the shaking stops.”

Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible. If no shelter is available, crawl to an interior wall away from windows. Once under a table, officials say you should hold on with one hand and be ready to move with it.

“There can be serious hazards after an earthquake, such as damage to the building, leaking gas and water lines, or downed power lines,” officials say. “Expect aftershocks to follow the main shock of an earthquake. Be ready to Drop, Cover, and Hold On if you feel an aftershock.”

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