20 Years Ago — Strongest earthquake shook North Alabama

Here in the Tennessee Valley, earthquakes don’t occur every day but they are certainly not uncommon. The majority of the time, when an earthquake happens here, the magnitude is low and not felt. On April 29th, 2003 north Alabama experienced its strongest earthquake in history.

This strong earthquake had a 4.6 magnitude and was detected 5 miles south of Valley Head. While the epicenter was located near the DeSoto State Park but was felt across much of the southeast United States. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), approximately 17,000 individuals reported feeling the quake.

Minimal damage was reported near the Fort Payne and Valley Head communities. This limited damage included a sinkhole in one homeowner’s yard and cracked windows in some homes in DeKalb County.

North Alabama Past Earthquakes:

In northern Alabama, earthquakes are associated with the Southern Appalachian Seismic Zone while southern Alabama is…