4.0 earthquake hits in the New Madrid seismic zone

Posted: 02/21/2012

SIKESTON, Mo. -

A small earthquake rattled Missouri’s bootheel early Tuesday morning, the United States Geological Survey reported.

The magnitude was initially reported as 4.0. The quake’s epicenter was about 16 miles ESE of Sikeston.

It was reported at 4:58 a.m. EST.

A policewoman in Sikeston told 41 Action News there were no immediate reports of any damage or injuries.

According to the USGS, 4.0 earthquakes east of the Rockies can often be felt as far as 100 kilometers away, but rarely cause damage.

Most earthquakes in Missouri occur in the southeast corner of the state, the USGS says, because it lies in the New Madrid seismic zone.

Baltimore, MD

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