If you felt a little rumble early this morning, you weren’t imagining things. A small earthquake was recorded just north of Chattooga County, in neighboring Walker County. While it’s not something we feel every day, minor quakes like this do occasionally happen in northwest Georgia.

According to preliminary data, a magnitude 2.4 earthquake occurred about 2.5 miles southwest of LaFayette around 6:30 a.m. Because the quake was relatively shallow, a few people in the immediate area may have felt a brief jolt or vibration. No damage is expected with an earthquake of this size.

Small earthquakes like this are typically harmless. In fact, they’re fairly common within the eastern Tennessee seismic zone, a region that stretches across parts of Tennessee, Alabama, and northwest Georgia—including Walker and Chattooga counties. Most of these quakes are too weak to feel, but today’s was just strong enough to get some attention.

If you did notice shaking, the U.S. Geological Survey welcomes reports through its “Did You Feel It?” system. These submissions help scientists better understand how small quakes are felt across the region and how seismic energy travels through local geology.

As a reminder, if you ever experience a stronger earthquake, remember the safety guideline: Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Drop to the ground to prevent falling, take cover under sturdy furniture if possible, and hold on until the shaking stops. Avoid running outside, and stay clear of windows or objects that could fall.

This morning’s tremor is a reminder that even though Georgia isn’t widely known for seismic activity, the ground can still surprise us from time to time.