A minor earthquake was felt in and around Charleston, South Carolina on , prompting reports from residents across the region. The tremor, registering a magnitude of 2.9, occurred near Charleston, according to initial reports.
Reports began surfacing on social media shortly after the event, with individuals from North Charleston specifically noting they had felt the quake. Ed Piotrowski, Chief Meteorologist at ABC15, shared a post on Facebook asking if anyone had felt the earthquake, and was met with numerous responses confirming they had. Leslie Sarvis, a top fan of Piotrowski’s Facebook page, confirmed feeling the tremor in North Charleston. Victoria Brown also responded to Piotrowski, stating she felt it as well and inquired about the quake’s proximity to their location in North Charleston.
Piotrowski’s Facebook posts indicate this is not an isolated incident, with commenters mentioning another similar event occurring “last week or so.” Details regarding the magnitude or precise location of that previous tremor were not immediately available.
While a 2.9 magnitude earthquake is generally considered minor and unlikely to cause significant damage, it can be felt by those nearby, particularly in areas not accustomed to seismic activity. South Carolina is not typically considered a high-risk earthquake zone, but does experience occasional tremors. The state lies within the broader seismic zone of the eastern United States, which extends from the Atlantic coast inland through the Appalachian Mountains.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) maintains a network of seismographs across the country to monitor earthquake activity. While information from the USGS regarding this specific event was not available in the provided sources, their data would provide a more detailed analysis of the earthquake’s epicenter, depth, and potential aftershocks.
Ed Piotrowski has been a fixture of coastal South Carolina broadcasting for over 33 years, having graduated from North Carolina State University with a B.S. In Meteorology. He is a trusted source of information for the region, and his engagement with the public on social media demonstrates a commitment to keeping the community informed about local events, including natural phenomena like earthquakes.
The recent passing of South Carolina’s “most popular and legendary weatherman,” referred to as Mr. Knozit, was also noted by Piotrowski in a September 22, 2024 Instagram post. Piotrowski described the late weatherman as “one of the most authentic and kind people” he had ever known, highlighting the close-knit nature of the local broadcasting community and the impact of long-serving media personalities.
Beyond the immediate reports of residents feeling the tremor, the broader implications of even minor earthquakes in the eastern United States are a subject of ongoing scientific study. The region’s geology differs significantly from the well-known fault lines of the western United States, and understanding the causes and potential risks of seismic activity in the east is crucial for preparedness and mitigation efforts.
The event serves as a reminder that earthquakes can occur in unexpected locations, and that even minor tremors can be unsettling for those who experience them. Local authorities and emergency management agencies typically advise residents to be aware of their surroundings and to take basic safety precautions during and after an earthquake, such as dropping, covering, and holding on.
Ed Piotrowski is also scheduled to emcee the Art from the Heart 2025 event for ECHO (Eastern Carolina Housing Opportunities). This demonstrates his continued involvement in community events and his role as a public figure in the region.
In a recent podcast interview, Ed Piotrowski discussed his life experiences, including his upbringing as a military child and the challenges he has overcome. He emphasized the importance of family, resilience, and dedication to serving the community, providing insight into the values that have shaped his career and public persona.
