A magnitude 2.9 earthquake struck in Lake Michigan about 12.5 miles east-northeast of Kenilworth, Illinois, July 8, according to the U.S. Geological Survey’s Earthquake Hazards Program.
According to USGS reports, it was one of 12 earthquakes recorded the United States as of 7:20 p.m. July 8.
Here’s what we know:
What time did the Lake Michigan earthquake happen?
The earthquake struck at 2:38 p.m. July 8.
Where did the Lake Michigan earthquake happen?
The earthquake’s epicenter was located about 12.5 miles east-northeast of Kenilworth, Illinois, in Lake Michigan. It happened at a depth of about 3.1 miles below the surface.
Was the Lake Michigan earthquake felt?
As of 7:20 p.m. July 8, the USGS had received 312 reports from people who stated they experienced the earthquake.
According to a 2024 Journal Sentinel report, earthquakes between magnitude 2.5 and 5.4 are often felt but typically cause minimal damage. The July 8 earthquake measured magnitude 2.9.
When is the last time an earthquake hit Illinois and Wisconsin?
The July 8 earthquake is the latest in a series of seismic events recorded in Illinois. According to a Feb. 17 news release from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security, a magnitude 3.8 earthquake struck near Ohlman, Illinois, on Jan. 20, 2026, and was felt across much of central Illinois.
Wisconsin has also experienced earthquakes within the last few years. On Jan. 7, 2024, a magnitude 2.5 earthquake struck near Mole Lake in Forest County. The incident prompted multiple reports of shaking from residents.
According to a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article from 2023, Wisconsin does experience earthquakes, but more often feels the effects of earthquakes originating in Illinois, other states or Lake Michigan.
Adrienne Davis is a general assignment and breaking news reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Got any tips or stories to share? Contact Adrienne at amdavis@gannett.com. Follow her on X at @AdriReportss.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 2.9 earthquake strikes Lake Michigan near Illinois: What to know
Reporting by Adrienne Davis, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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By Adrienne Davis, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel | USA TODAY Network
