The greatest earthquake risk in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains is along the New Madrid seismic zone. Scientists estimate that there is a 9 in 10 chance that a magnitude 6.0 to 7.0 earthquake could occur in the next 50 years. The results would be serious damage to schools, other masonry buildings, lifelines, transportation systems, communications and utility systems from Memphis to St. Louis.

The topics below provide information about the hazard and how to prepare for an earthquake.

You can get an idea of how much more devastating a Central U. S. earthquake could be to the county by comparing the extent of damages from a 6.7 event in Northridge, to the extent of damage in 1895 from a 6.8 earthquake. This graphic shows that an earthquake similar to the 6.7 Northridge event occurring in the Central U. S. would cause major damages across a much wider area. 

Earthquake Frequently Asked Questions

Preparedness Information for Earthquakes