Irmo, February 18, 2026
The Irmo area in South Carolina has reported its third earthquake in less than a week, with the most recent tremor occurring last night. This series of seismic activity has drawn attention to the unusual frequency of earthquakes in the region. Residents and authorities are monitoring the situation as this cluster of minor tremors raises questions about local seismic activity and safety.
Irmo, South Carolina – The Irmo area has experienced its third earthquake in less than a week, with the most recent tremor reported last night. This recent seismic activity has drawn attention to the frequency of tremors in the region.
Recent Seismic Activity in the Midlands
The latest earthquake was recorded by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). This event marks a significant cluster of seismic activity for the area, following two other earthquakes that occurred near Irmo within the past several days. The initial quake was reported on Friday, followed by a second on February 16, 2026.
Across the broader Midlands region, five earthquakes have been detected over the past month, with three of these occurring specifically in the Irmo area. This recent series of tremors highlights an unusual pattern of seismic events for South Carolina.
Details of the Earthquakes
The first earthquake in this recent cluster occurred on a Friday. The second tremor was reported on February 16, 2026. The third and most recent earthquake was reported to have occurred last night, February 17, 2026, or early on February 18, 2026.
Broader Regional Seismic Events
Beyond the Irmo cluster, the Lowcountry region of South Carolina also experienced a small earthquake on February 9, 2026. This quake took place at approximately 4:10 a.m. local time. In late 2025, a small earthquake also struck in Northwest Georgia.
These events contribute to a pattern of minor earthquakes across South Carolina and neighboring areas.
Understanding Earthquakes
Earthquakes are caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth’s crust that creates seismic waves. Most earthquakes in the southeastern United States are considered minor and often go unnoticed by many residents, though they can cause noticeable shaking. The United States Geological Survey is the primary scientific agency that monitors and reports on earthquake activity nationwide.
While the recent earthquakes in Irmo have been small, the frequency of these events in a short period is noteworthy for local residents and authorities. Seismic monitoring continues in the region to track any further developments.
Key Features of Recent Seismic Activity
| Event | Location | Date/Timing | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Third Irmo Earthquake | Near Irmo, South Carolina | Last night (Feb 17 or early Feb 18, 2026) | State-level |
| Second Irmo Earthquake | Near Irmo, South Carolina | February 16, 2026 | State-level |
| First Irmo Earthquake | Near Irmo, South Carolina | Friday (approx. Feb 13, 2026) | State-level |
| Total Midlands Earthquakes (past month) | Midlands, South Carolina | Past month | State-level |
| Lowcountry Earthquake | Lowcountry, South Carolina | February 9, 2026, at 4:10 a.m. | State-level |
| Northwest Georgia Earthquake | Northwest Georgia | November 23, 2025 (earlier) | State-level |
| Monitoring Agency | N/A | N/A | Nationwide |
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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.
