KERSHAW COUNTY, S.C. — The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported Wednesday, January 15, that a 2.3 magnitude earthquake happened near Kershaw around 4:52 a.m.
The epicenter of the earthquake was located just outside the city of Kershaw near Roberts Road, according to the USGS. The earthquake was recorded at a depth of 8.7 km (5.41 miles).
At a magnitude 2.3 intensity, it's unlikely many people felt the quake. That's generally below the threshold that people can feel, which is about magnitude 2.5.
It's the fourth earthquake in the Midlands in the last two months.
Small earthquakes are common in South Carolina -- there have been six others of a similar magnitude in the state in the last year.
If you think you may have felt the earthquake, you can report it to the USGS by clicking on this link.
Earthquakes happen throughout the state but most occur near the coast.. Approximately 70 percent of earthquakes are in the coastal plain, with most happening in the Lowcountry.
Back in 1886, Charleston was hit by a catastrophic earthquake. It had an estimated magnitude of 7.3, and was felt as far away and Cuba and New York. At least 60 people were killed, and thousands of building were damaged.
Structural damage extended hundreds of miles to cities in Alabama, Ohio, and Kentucky.
Geologists say that Charleston lies in one of the most seismically active areas in the eastern United States.