4.4 magnitude earthquake, aftershock rattle Tenn., southeast

An 4.4 magnitude earthquake rocked the southeast this morning.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake occurred around 4:15 a.m. Wednesday about 7 miles north/northeast of Decatur, TN. The quake was about 9KM deep and several weaker aftershocks occurred, including a 3.3 magnitude about 15 minutes later.

>> Live Doppler 7 Radar

Earthquakes east of the Rockies aren't as common as earthquakes associated with major faults on the west coast, according to the USGS. Eastern earthquakes are also felt further away than a quake of the same strength on the west coast, said Storm Center 7 Meteorologist Kirstie Zontini.

>> #SkyWitness7

According to the USGS a 4.0 magnitude quake would be felt about 60 miles away from the center. People in Atlanta, GA felt the quake and reports came in across southern Kentucky as well.

The strongest earthquake in eastern Tennessee was a 4.7 magnitude earthquake in Maryville, Tenn. from 1973.

About the Author