August New Madrid Quakes Included 2 Unusual Earthquakes
The New Madrid Fault region in southern Missouri averaged about an earthquake every single day of the month in August. That's not unusual, but among all of the tremors in the region there were a couple that were not typical.
According to the USGS, here are all of the earthquakes in the New Madrid Seismic Zone for August that have been confirmed by seismologists
All of the earthquakes in the Missouri bootheel are what we expect to see frequently. Minor tremors no larger than magnitude 2 that most did not feel even if the quakes happened directly beneath them. It's the 2 quakes to the northeast and northwest of New Madrid, Missouri that got my attention.
The quake to the north of Lake Wappapello happened on August 10, 2026 while the other quake was near Paducah, Kentucky/southern Illinois on August 20, 2026 was the strongest quake in August that was reportedly felt by dozens according to the USGS. It's that second one that I find the most interesting as it hit between the New Madrid Seismic Zone and the Wabash Valley Seismic Area. Most people that live in this part of America know what the New Madrid Fault is capable of, but many don't know that the seismic area in mid-Illinois is also capable of a magnitude 7 quake.
I draw attention to the 2 non-typical August quakes in Missouri and Illinois not to say they're a reason for concern. My point is they are both reminders that having an earthquake emergency plan is prudent because a major event in either seismic region will likely happen with no warning whatsoever. Ready.gov recommends having family communication plans that include out-of-state contacts. Plan where to meet if you get separated and cell phone towers are not operable. It's hopefully a plan that none of us will ever have to live through, but better prepared than caught unaware.
8 Things a 7.0 Quake Would Do to Illinois
Gallery Credit: Canva
