3.3 magnitude earthquake rattles Central Illinois, officials say
A 3.3 magnitude earthquake southeast of Illinois’ state capital shook parts of the state overnight, the United States Geological Survey said.
The 6-mile deep quake hit about 4 miles southwest of Lerna at 11:43 p.m. Monday, May 12, according to the USGS.
Some in Coles and Cumberland counties may have felt the earthquake, the USGS said.
Over 100 people as far away as Chicago and Louisville, Kentucky, reported feeling the quake to the agency as of about 9 a.m. May 13.
Anyone who felt the earthquake can report it to the USGS through a form on its website.
The region borders the active New Madrid seismic zone, the USGS said. The region may feel “moderately frequent earthquakes” and “irregular intervals,” according to USGS.
The largest earthquake ever reported in the area was a 5.4 magnitude quake in southern Illinois in 1968, according to USGS.
Lerna is about a 95-mile drive southeast from Springfield.
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 May 13, 2025 at 9:29 AM with the headline "3.3 magnitude earthquake rattles Central Illinois, officials say."
