A Sunday Evening Rumble: Kingston, NH Experiences an Unexpected Earthquake

Imagine settling in for a peaceful Sunday evening, perhaps catching up on a book or winding down after the weekend. Then, suddenly, your house shudders, a low rumble vibrates through the floor, or maybe you hear a distinct, startling 'boom!' That’s exactly what many residents in Kingston, New Hampshire, and its surrounding communities experienced just after 7:15 p.m. this past Sunday, May 19th.

It wasn't a truck passing by too quickly, nor was it a particularly strong gust of wind. No, this was something altogether different. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) quickly confirmed what many were already suspecting: a 2.0 magnitude earthquake had indeed struck, centered right there in Kingston. It was a shallow event, originating just about 5 kilometers beneath the surface, which likely contributed to why it was felt so distinctly despite its relatively modest size.

For many, the experience was fleeting but undeniable. Folks reported feeling a noticeable jolt, some describing it as a quick shake, others hearing that aforementioned loud bang that made them jump. It wasn't just Kingston either; the tremors rippled out, with residents in neighboring towns like East Kingston, Brentwood, and Danville also reporting the unexpected geological activity. A few even mentioned feeling it further south, venturing into parts of Massachusetts.

Now, for those unfamiliar with the region's geology, an earthquake in New Hampshire might sound quite alarming. But truthfully, our corner of New England isn't entirely a stranger to these small seismic events. We do get them from time to time, little reminders that the Earth beneath us is always, subtly, shifting. Thankfully, and perhaps most importantly, there were no immediate reports of any damage from Sunday's tremor. Just a whole lot of startled residents and, let's be honest, a good conversation starter for Monday morning.