A magnitude 2.9 earthquake occurred on August 2, 2024, at 9:00 AM UTC, 39 km ESE of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, with a depth of 10.9 km. This event is notable as earthquakes of this magnitude are rare in the Midwest, particularly in Wisconsin, where seismic activity is uncommon. Meteorologist Taylor Patterson from the National Weather Service confirmed the unusual nature of this occurrence, which attracted attention in nearby Milwaukee.
PREREQUISITESThis discussion is beneficial for geologists, meteorologists, emergency management professionals, and residents of the Midwest interested in understanding seismic events and their implications.
Following a night of storms scattered across Wisconsin, Friday morning brought something almost unheard of in the Midwest: an earthquake.
Taylor Patterson, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service, said a 2.9 magnitude earthquake took place in Lake Michigan off the shore of Sturgeon Bay around 9:00 am Friday.
"This is something that is unusual," Patterson said. "It's not typical for there to be any earthquake activity in the Midwest let alone in Wisconsin."