3.4-magnitude earthquake rattles Illinois and is felt near Chicago, USGS says
A 3.4-magnitude earthquake shook parts of Illinois, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.
The 6-mile deep earthquake hit about 1.2 miles northwest of Somonauk at 2:53 a.m. Monday, July 15, according to the USGS.
More than 300 people as far away as Kenosha, Wisconsin, reported feeling the tremor to the agency. It was also reportedly felt in the Chicago suburbs.
Somonauk, with a population of about 1,700, is a roughly 65-mile drive southwest from Chicago and is a 110-mile drive southwest from Kenosha.
“Information for those who were woken up a short time ago to your house shaking, there was just a 3.4 magnitude earthquake northwest of Somonauk,” the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office said on Facebook.
“Big boom then shaking here south of Sabbona,” one Facebook commenter said.
“Low rolling rumble, thought it was thunder,” another commenter said. “Then the house shook.”
There are no reports of injuries or damage from the earthquake.
Most earthquakes in Illinois happen in the southern half of the state, NBC Chicago reports, but there are fault systems in northern Illinois.
What to know about earthquakes
Magnitude measures the energy released at the source of the earthquake, the U.S. Geological Survey says. It replaces the old Richter scale.
Quakes between 2.5 and 5.4 magnitude are often felt but rarely cause much damage, according to Michigan Tech. Quakes below 2.5 magnitude are seldom felt by most people.
Earthquakes’ sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches. They can happen anywhere, but they’re most common in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Puerto Rico and Washington, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
If an earthquake strikes, it’s best to protect yourself right away. Here are tips from experts:
If you’re in a car: Pull over and stop. Set your parking brake.
If you’re in bed: Turn face-down and cover your head with a pillow.
If you’re outdoors: Stay away from buildings. Don’t go inside.
If you’re inside: Stay and don’t run outdoors. Stay away from doorways.
The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover and hold on, officials say.
“Wherever you are, drop down to your hands and knees and hold onto something sturdy,” officials say. “If you’re using a wheelchair or walker with a seat, make sure your wheels are locked and remain seated until the shaking stops.”
Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible. If no shelter is available, crawl to an interior wall away from windows.
Once under a table, officials say you should hold on with one hand and be ready to move with it.
“There can be serious hazards after an earthquake, such as damage to the building, leaking gas and water lines, or downed power lines,” officials say. “Expect aftershocks to follow the main shock of an earthquake. Be ready to Drop, Cover, and Hold On if you feel an aftershock.”
This story was originally published July 15, 2024 at 6:39 AM with the headline "3.4-magnitude earthquake rattles Illinois and is felt near Chicago, USGS says."