Magnitude 4.0 Earthquake Strikes Near Cooter, Missouri, Felt Across Region
On Thursday, April 23, 2026, a magnitude 4.0 earthquake struck approximately one kilometer northwest of Cooter, Missouri, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The tremor was felt across northeast Arkansas and surrounding regions, including parts of Tennessee and Kentucky, as confirmed by multiple news reports and seismic monitoring.
The earthquake occurred within the New Madrid Seismic Zone, a fault system spanning parts of Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Illinois, which the Missouri Department of Natural Resources identifies as “the most active seismic area in the United States, east of the Rocky Mountains.” This event marks the first magnitude 4.0 or greater earthquake in the zone since 2005, based on USGS data referenced in regional news coverage.
Location and Impact
The epicenter was located about 80 miles north of Memphis, Tennessee, and just above the Arkansas state line. Residents in northeast Arkansas reported feeling the tremors, with the quake occurring at a depth of nearly 12 kilometers (approximately 7.5 miles). As of 2 p.m. On April 23, nearly 500 individuals in the affected area reported feeling the earthquake to the USGS, describing sensations ranging from “weak” to “light” shaking in locations such as Memphis.
Context and Historical Significance
The New Madrid Seismic Zone has a history of significant seismic activity, including the series of powerful earthquakes between 1811 and 1812, some of which were among the largest ever recorded in North America. These events caused notable geological effects, including temporary changes in the flow of the Mississippi River. While a 1990 prediction by self-proclaimed climatologist Iben Browning of a major earthquake on December 3, 1990, generated widespread public concern, it did not arrive to pass. The current magnitude 4.0 event, while notable for being the first of its size in over two decades within the zone, is classified by experts as capable of being felt but typically causing only minor damage, consistent with the characteristics of magnitude 2.5 to 5.4 earthquakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the New Madrid Seismic Zone?
New Madrid Seismic Zone Missouri Madrid The New Madrid Seismic Zone is a fault system located in the central United States, spanning parts of Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Illinois. It is recognized as the most seismically active region east of the Rocky Mountains.
- How strong was the earthquake near Cooter, Missouri?
The earthquake registered a magnitude of 4.0 on the Richter scale, as confirmed by the United States Geological Survey.
- Was damage reported from the earthquake?
Based on standard seismic classifications and reports from the event, a magnitude 4.0 earthquake is often felt but typically results in only minor damage, if any. No significant damage was reported in the immediate aftermath according to available sources.
- When was the last magnitude 4.0 earthquake in this region?
According to USGS information cited in regional news reports, this is the first magnitude 4.0 earthquake in the New Madrid Seismic Zone since 2005.
Key Takeaways
- A magnitude 4.0 earthquake occurred near Cooter, Missouri, on April 23, 2026, within the New Madrid Seismic Zone.
- The tremor was felt across northeast Arkansas, Tennessee, and Kentucky, with nearly 500 felt reports submitted to the USGS.
- This event is the first magnitude 4.0 or greater earthquake in the zone since 2005.
- The New Madrid Seismic Zone remains the most active seismic region east of the Rocky Mountains.
- While the earthquake was widely felt, its magnitude suggests only minor potential for damage, consistent with historical patterns for such events in the region.