2.1 Magnitude Earthquake Hits In Howard County

CLARKSVILLE, MD — Early Wednesday morning, Howard County residents in the Clarksville area felt odd tremors, or shaking. According to the United States Geological Survey, a small 2.1 magnitude quake centered in Clarksville was recorded at approximately 2:10 a.m. No damage and no injuries were reported. Its epicenter was not far from Heritage Heights Park and could be felt as far north as Eldersburg and as far south as Silver Spring, according to the USGS.

The earthquake had a depth of an estimated 1.8 miles, the United States Geological Survey reported, and the agency received more than 500 responses through its Did You Feel It site from residents across several Maryland counties including Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s and Carroll, as well as the District. Most individuals reported weak to light shaking ranked on a scale ranging from not felt to extreme.

Mike Thomas with Fox 5 took to Twitter and posted that while earthquakes don't happen often in Maryland, they aren't necessarily uncommon and that the state averages one earthquake approximately every three years or so.

The early morning earthquake in Howard County was the second small quake to occur in the greater Baltimore area witin the past two months. A 2.6-magnitude earthquake with an epicenter in Woodlawn was recorded June 25. A smaller 1.7-magnitude aftershock with an epicenter in Edmondson Village followed thereafter.

The three most recent quakes are considered minor according to the United States Geological Survey. A 5.3 on the scale is considered a moderate earthquake and a 6.3 is strong, the USGS website said.