Irmo, South Carolina, February 17, 2026
A magnitude 2.0 earthquake was recorded close to Irmo, South Carolina, marking the second seismic event in just days. This quake, which occurred late on Sunday, was preceded by a stronger magnitude 2.8 quake a few days earlier. Although both earthquakes were considered minor, they prompted increased awareness among local residents about the area’s seismic activity. Experts confirm these kinds of tremors are common in South Carolina, typically not indicative of larger events.
Irmo, South Carolina
Minor Earthquake Detected Near Irmo, Second in Days
A magnitude 2.0 earthquake was recorded near Irmo, South Carolina, late on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at 11:57 PM local time (Monday, February 16, 2026, 4:57 AM UTC). This latest tremor marks the second seismic event to affect the Irmo area within days, following a stronger magnitude 2.8 earthquake on Friday, February 13, 2026. While generally minor, these recent occurrences have drawn attention to the region’s periodic seismic activity.
The earthquake on Sunday, February 15, had a very shallow depth of approximately 3.0 to 3.6 kilometers. Although categorized as a light earthquake, it was reported to have caused very weak shaking, with some residents describing a “boom” or “explosion-like” sound and feeling their homes shake. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed the event, noting its epicenter approximately 5 kilometers west-southwest of Irmo.
This recent seismic activity near Irmo comes shortly after the more significant 2.8 magnitude earthquake that occurred on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 6:43 PM EST (11:43 PM UTC). That earlier quake, also originating at a shallow depth of about 3.0 to 3.9 kilometers, prompted over a hundred reports from individuals who felt the shaking, particularly around the Lake Murray and surrounding Irmo and Lexington areas. Residents described the experience as a sudden, loud noise, likening it to a lightning strike or an eruption, rather than just a simple tremor.
The cluster of tremors has led to increased public awareness of earthquakes in the Midlands region of South Carolina. While such events are not uncommon for the state, the proximity and timing of these recent quakes in Irmo have been particularly noticeable to local residents.
Understanding South Carolina’s Seismic Activity
South Carolina experiences earthquakes from time to time, though they are typically small in magnitude. Experts from the University of South Carolina explain that these tremors are a natural occurrence in the region and are generally not a cause for significant alarm. The state’s geological setting, particularly the older and harder crust in the Eastern United States, allows seismic waves to travel more efficiently. This means that even smaller earthquakes can be felt over a wider area compared to similar magnitude events in other parts of the country.
Geologists note that clusters of minor earthquakes, like those recently observed in Irmo and other parts of the state such as Ladson, Summerville, and Elgin earlier this month, are not unusual and do not automatically indicate that a larger, more dangerous earthquake is imminent. For a pattern to suggest increased concern, consistent shaking over a period of three, four, or five days would typically be observed.
Currently, scientists have not determined a specific cause for the recent Irmo earthquakes. Investigations would require identifying a clear pattern or trend before drawing any conclusions. While some earthquakes in other parts of South Carolina have been associated with large bodies of water or dams, experts do not believe there is a link between these particular Irmo quakes and Lake Murray, citing stable lake levels.
Historically, the area around the epicenter of these recent quakes has experienced an average of about 23.5 earthquakes per year with a magnitude of 1.0 or higher. Larger events, such as those of magnitude 3 or higher, occur less frequently, averaging about 0.78 quakes per year. Earthquakes of magnitude 4 or higher are even rarer, occurring approximately once every 26.3 years on average. The largest earthquake recorded in Irmo this year, and within the past week, was the 2.8 magnitude event on February 13. Overall, South Carolina has experienced 1 earthquake in the past 24 hours and 6 earthquakes in the past 7 days (M1.5 or greater).
The advice for residents who feel shaking remains consistent: drop, cover, and hold on, and stay away from windows. These precautions are standard recommendations for any earthquake event, regardless of magnitude.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the magnitude of the most recent earthquake near Irmo, South Carolina?
A magnitude 2.0 earthquake was recorded near Irmo, South Carolina, late on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
When did the 2.0 magnitude earthquake occur?
The 2.0 magnitude earthquake occurred on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at 11:57 PM local time (Monday, February 16, 2026, 4:57 AM UTC).
Was there another recent earthquake in Irmo?
Yes, a magnitude 2.8 earthquake occurred near Irmo on Friday, February 13, 2026.
How deep was the 2.0 magnitude earthquake?
The earthquake on Sunday, February 15, had a very shallow depth of approximately 3.0 to 3.6 kilometers.
Are earthquakes common in South Carolina?
South Carolina experiences earthquakes from time to time, though they are typically small in magnitude.
Do these recent earthquakes indicate a larger event is coming?
Experts indicate that clusters of minor earthquakes are not unusual and do not automatically indicate that a larger, more dangerous earthquake is imminent.
What should residents do if they feel an earthquake?
The advice for residents who feel shaking remains consistent: drop, cover, and hold on, and stay away from windows.
Key Features of Recent Irmo Earthquakes
| Feature | February 16, 2026 Earthquake | February 13, 2026 Earthquake |
|---|---|---|
| Magnitude | 2.0 | 2.8 |
| Date & Time (Local EST) | Sunday, Feb 15, 2026, 11:57 PM EST | Friday, Feb 13, 2026, 6:43 PM EST |
| Date & Time (UTC) | Monday, Feb 16, 2026, 4:57 AM UTC | Friday, Feb 13, 2026, 11:43 PM UTC |
| Location | Near Irmo, South Carolina | Near Irmo, South Carolina (Lake Murray area) |
| Depth | ~3.0 to 3.6 km | ~3.0 to 3.9 km |
| Reported Sensation | Very weak shaking, some “boom” sounds | Felt by many, “boom” or “explosion-like” sound, house shaking |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Irmo Feels the Earth Move: Quake Shakes Local Residents
Recent Earthquakes Shake Midlands Region Near Irmo
Midlands Region of South Carolina Experiences Minor Earthquakes
Recent Earthquakes Rattle Lake Murray Area
Irmo, South Carolina Experiences Latest Seismic Activity
Irmo Officials Chart Course for Safer Roads
Irmo Boosts Park Access for All Residents
Lexington County Feels Tremor: Community Resilience in Focus
Irmo Community Reacts to Lake Murray Earthquake
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.
