Irmo, February 18, 2026
A 1.8 magnitude earthquake struck near Irmo, South Carolina, without causing damage or injuries. Occurring just west-southwest of the town, this minor seismic event is part of a broader pattern of seismic activity in the Eastern U.S. South Carolina experiences several earthquakes annually, though most are not felt by residents. Geology in the region allows east coast tremors to affect larger areas compared to those on the west coast.
Irmo
Minor Earthquake Recorded Near Irmo, South Carolina
A small 1.8 magnitude earthquake was recorded near Irmo, South Carolina, approximately 3.1 miles west-southwest of the town, at 6:44 p.m. on February 17, 2026. This minor seismic event, which occurred within the last 48 hours, caused no reported damage or injuries. Such small earthquakes are common, with thousands occurring globally each day, though most are not felt by people.
Immediate Details and Local Context
The earthquake’s epicenter, the point on the Earth’s surface directly above where the rupture originated, was situated a few miles outside Irmo. Minor earthquakes, generally those below magnitude 3.0, are often only detectable by sensitive instruments called seismographs and typically go unnoticed by most people.
For those close to the epicenter, a 1.8 magnitude earthquake might be perceived as a subtle, gentle shake or two, especially if one is still and sitting down. Alternatively, it could feel like a small sharp jolt followed by a few brief, sharp shakes that quickly pass.
Understanding Earthquake Magnitudes and Frequency
Earthquake magnitude is a measure of the energy released at the source of the earthquake and is determined from the size of seismic waves. The scale used for measuring magnitude, such as the Moment Magnitude Scale which has largely superseded the Richter scale for larger events, is logarithmic. This means that each whole number increase in magnitude represents a substantial increase in the energy released. For instance, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake releases about 32 times more energy than a magnitude 6.0 earthquake.
Globally, earthquakes are a frequent occurrence. The National Earthquake Information Center identifies between 12,000 to 14,000 earthquakes annually. The vast majority of these are magnitude 2.5 or less. Approximately 1.8 million earthquakes are recorded worldwide each year, with around 4,900 per day.
Seismic Activity in South Carolina and the Eastern U.S.
South Carolina is recognized as the most seismically active state on the East Coast. Approximately 10 to 15 earthquakes are recorded annually in South Carolina, with about 3 to 5 of these being felt by people. A significant portion, about 70 percent, of South Carolina earthquakes are concentrated in the Middleton Place-Summerville Seismic Zone.
While the East Coast experiences fewer earthquakes compared to the West Coast, with about 20 quakes above magnitude 4.5 since 1950 compared to over 1,000 on the West Coast, Eastern U.S. earthquakes of the same magnitude tend to affect a much larger geographic area. This is due to the older, harder, and denser rock formations in the East, which allow seismic waves to travel more efficiently and spread their energy over greater distances.
Historical data indicates that South Carolina has experienced severe seismic events, including the Charleston earthquake of 1886, which was estimated to be between magnitude 6.9 and 7.3 and caused significant damage.
Nationwide Minor Seismic Activity
The Irmo earthquake is part of a broader pattern of minor seismic activity reported across the United States. In the period of February 16 and 17, 2026, minor earthquakes, ranging from 1.8 to 3.6 magnitude, were reported from various locations including Maine, the New Madrid Fault area, upstate New York, South Carolina, and near Banning, California. While these events typically do not cause damage or injuries, they serve as reminders of the constant geological processes occurring beneath the Earth’s surface.
Such tremors are a normal part of the Earth’s dynamic crust, which is divided into tectonic plates constantly moving and interacting. Earthquakes, whether minor or major, result from the sudden release of stored-up energy along faults within the Earth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the magnitude of the earthquake near Irmo?
A 1.8 magnitude earthquake was recorded near Irmo, South Carolina.
When did the earthquake near Irmo occur?
The earthquake near Irmo occurred at 6:44 p.m. on February 17, 2026.
Where was the epicenter of the Irmo earthquake located?
The epicenter was located about 3.1 miles west-southwest of Irmo, South Carolina.
Did the Irmo earthquake cause any damage or injuries?
No damage or injuries were reported as a result of the Irmo earthquake.
How often do earthquakes occur in South Carolina?
Approximately 10 to 15 earthquakes are recorded annually in South Carolina, with about 3 to 5 of them felt by people.
Are earthquakes in the Eastern U.S. felt over a wider area than in the West?
Yes, earthquakes of the same magnitude affect a much larger geographic area in the Eastern U.S. than in the West due to older, harder rock formations.
What does a 1.8 magnitude earthquake feel like?
A small nearby earthquake like a 1.8 magnitude event can feel like a small sharp jolt followed by a few stronger sharp shakes that pass quickly, or a subtle, gentle shake if further away and one is still.
Key Features of the Irmo Earthquake
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Magnitude | 1.8 | Local |
| Location | Near Irmo, South Carolina (3.1 miles west-southwest) | State-level |
| Date and Time | February 17, 2026, at 6:44 p.m. | Local |
| Reported Damage/Injuries | None | Local |
| Frequency in South Carolina | 10-15 recorded annually, 3-5 felt by people | State-level |
| Eastern U.S. vs. Western U.S. Earthquakes | Same magnitude affects larger area in East due to geology | 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.
