Irmo, February 16, 2026
The Midlands region of South Carolina has experienced increased seismic activity with a 1.9 magnitude earthquake reported near Irmo, following a 2.8 magnitude quake just two days prior. Residents reported weak shaking, but no significant damage or injuries were reported. These earthquakes are part of an ongoing trend in the area, linked to the Eastern Piedmont Fault System. Overall, the state has seen multiple tremors recently, reminding residents of the geological activity in the region.
Irmo, South Carolina – The Midlands region has experienced renewed seismic activity, with a 1.9 magnitude earthquake reported near Irmo late Sunday, February 15, 2026. This tremor follows closely on the heels of a magnitude 2.8 earthquake that struck the area on Friday, February 13, 2026, marking two seismic events within a 48-hour period in the same vicinity.
Recent Seismic Events
The latest quake, a 1.9 magnitude event, was confirmed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and occurred at 11:57 p.m. on Sunday, February 15, 2026, near Irmo. Just two days prior, on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 6:43 p.m. local time, a magnitude 2.8 earthquake was reported approximately 12 miles northwest of Columbia, in Lexington County, near Irmo. This Friday earthquake had a very shallow depth, initially reported at around 3 miles (3.9 km), which often contributes to it being felt more strongly at the surface. While the exact magnitude, epicenter, and depth of such quakes can be revised as seismologists review data, multiple agencies, including the USGS, The Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS), and the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), concurred on the magnitude 2.8 for the Friday event.
Residents in towns and cities near the epicenter of the Friday quake, including Irmo (4 miles away), Lexington (5 miles away), Seven Oaks (5 miles away), and Columbia (12 miles away), reported feeling weak shaking, rattling, and vibrating. Despite these noticeable tremors, no major damage or injuries have been reported from either of the recent earthquakes.
Broader Context of Midlands Seismicity
The recent earthquakes near Irmo are part of a continuing pattern of seismic activity observed across the Midlands, particularly in areas like Elgin and Lugoff. South Carolina has experienced a notable number of earthquakes in recent years, with 35 recorded in 2025, 30 in 2024, and 28 in 2023. Many of these are considered “micro quakes,” typically below magnitude 2.5, which often go unnoticed without sensitive instrumentation.
Overall, South Carolina has recorded 6 earthquakes of magnitude 1.5 or greater in the past 7 days and 13 in the past 30 days. The state’s seismic activity is frequently linked to the Eastern Piedmont Fault System (EPFS), an ancient geological structure that stretches from Georgia to Virginia. Scientists suggest the ongoing tremors in the region might be due to residual stress from the formation of the Appalachian Mountains millions of years ago, though the precise reasons for the persistent activity are still under investigation.
A distinctive characteristic of earthquakes in the eastern United States is their ability to be felt over a much larger area compared to those of similar magnitude on the West Coast. This phenomenon occurs because the Earth’s crust in the East is older, colder, and harder, allowing seismic waves to travel more efficiently and thus spread over an area up to ten times greater. While the recent earthquakes have been minor, they serve as a reminder of the region’s ongoing geological activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the magnitude of the latest earthquake near Irmo?
- The latest earthquake near Irmo was a 1.9 magnitude earthquake.
- When did the 1.9 magnitude earthquake occur?
- The 1.9 magnitude earthquake occurred at 11:57 p.m. on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
- Was there another recent earthquake in the area?
- Yes, a magnitude 2.8 earthquake was reported on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 6:43 p.m. local time, approximately 12 miles northwest of Columbia, in Lexington County.
- Were these earthquakes felt by residents?
- Yes, residents in towns and cities near the epicenter of the Friday quake, including Irmo, Lexington, Seven Oaks, and Columbia, reported feeling weak shaking, rattling, and vibrating.
- Have there been any reports of damage or injuries?
- No, no major damage or injuries have been reported from either of the recent earthquakes.
- How many earthquakes has South Carolina experienced recently?
- South Carolina has recorded 6 earthquakes of magnitude 1.5 or greater in the past 7 days and 13 in the past 30 days.
- Why are earthquakes felt more widely in the eastern U.S.?
- Earthquakes in the eastern United States can be felt over a much larger area because the Earth’s crust in the East is older, colder, and harder, allowing seismic waves to travel more efficiently.
Key Features of Recent Midlands Earthquakes
| Feature | Details | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Latest Earthquake Magnitude | 1.9 | Local (Irmo, SC) |
| Latest Earthquake Date/Time | Sunday, February 15, 2026, 11:57 p.m. | Local (Irmo, SC) |
| Previous Recent Earthquake Magnitude | 2.8 | Local (Near Columbia, SC) |
| Previous Recent Earthquake Date/Time | Friday, February 13, 2026, 6:43 p.m. local time | Local (Near Columbia, SC) |
| Depth of Friday Quake | Approximately 3 miles (3.9 km) | Local (Near Columbia, SC) |
| Reports of Damage/Injuries | None reported | State-level |
| Earthquakes (M1.5+) in Past 7 Days | 6 | State-level |
| Earthquakes (M1.5+) in Past 30 Days | 13 | State-level |
| Typical Earthquake Felt Area (East vs. West Coast) | Up to ten times wider area than similar magnitude quakes on the West Coast | Nationwide |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
