Two small earthquakes shake portions of North Carolina

RANDOLPH COUNTY, N.C. — A pair of earthquakes has shaken portions of North Carolina, but no injuries or damage have been reported.

The U.S. Geological Survey says a 2.2 magnitude earthquake was centered about 5 miles east of Archdale shortly after midnight Tuesday. A USGS map shows the earthquake was felt as far away as the Charlotte area, 77 miles to the southwest and Durham, 69 miles to the east.

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Many reported feeling and hearing the quake from their homes in Guilford and Randolph counties.

Some residents described a long, booming sound and said the trembles were strong enough to shake the whole house.

Guilford Metro 911 posted on their Facebook page: "Today, at approximately 12:30 am, we experienced a rapid influx of calls from people reporting a loud "explosion" they heard in their area. It has been determined that this was a result of a 2.2 magnitude earthquake according to the USGS."

The U.S. Geological Survey also confirmed a 2.5 magnitude earthquake struck in Jackson County at around 12:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The quake was centered just north of Highway 441, near the top of Cowee Mountain.

Earthquakes are rare in North Carolina, but they can happen occasionally.

On average, North Carolina sees a handful of small earthquakes every year. They are most commonly reported in the mountains.

Small tremors that are weaker than 2.5 magnitude typically aren't strong enough to cause any damage but residents who felt significant shaking can file a report here.

Cox Media Group