Denver rattled by rare earthquake

FILE – Seismologist explains science behind Tennessee earthquake

Tens of thousands of people in the Southeast were jolted by a magnitude 4.1 earthquake on Saturday, May 10. Seismologist and professor of geophysics at the Georgia Institute of Technology Dr. Zhigang Peng joined FOX Weather on May 11 to talk about why so many people in the East reported feeling the earthquake and just how common they are in the region.

DENVER – Shaking was reported in Denver, Colorado, following a magnitude 2.9 earthquake Friday morning. 

The U.S. Geological Survey said the earthquake happened north of Denver, about 3 miles southwest of Dacono, Colorado.

Earthquake reported near Denver. 

(FOX Weather)

Light shaking was felt along Interstate 25 throughout Denver and surrounding towns. 

The quake was relatively shallow at 5.09 miles beneath the surface. 

According to the USGS, earthquakes in Denver are rare.

Shaking from the earthquake was felt throughout Denver and surrounding areas.

(FOX Weather)

There hasn’t been a magnitude 3 or larger earthquake in the Denver metro area since 1981, when a magnitude 4.3 earthquake occurred in Northglenn, the USGS said. 

The USGS said Friday's earthquake was most likely felt because it was shallow, in a well-populated area and happened around the time people were awake and getting ready for the day. 

No damage has been reported from the earthquake at this time.