Did You Feel That? Michigan Earthquake Shakes Monroe County

If you live in Southeast Michigan, you may have felt something yesterday that you might not have expected. If you thought it was an earthquake, you would be correct. But how often does Michigan experience the ground shaking?

Where the Monroe County Earthquake Happened

A 2.7 magnitude earthquake shook Monroe County yesterday, May 4, 2026, at 5:32 PM, according to MLive. Specifically, it happened about two kilometers west of Carleton, Michigan, with a depth of 5.3 kilometers.

READ MORE: Man's Home Destroyed After Moving to Michigan to Leave Tornado Alley 

This quake hit one week after an earthquake in Ontario that was felt by Michiganders throughout the Metro Detroit area. That Canadian tremor was on April 26 and was slightly stronger at a 2.9 magnitude.

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When it comes to severe weather events or natural disasters, Michigan is clearly a target for tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and blizzards. In fact, we are still dealing with damage from flooding across Genesee County and Mid-Michigan.

Why Michigan Does Not See Major Natural Disasters

But what about hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, or volcanoes? The closest volcano is over 1,000 miles away, and according to the National Weather Service, Michigan has never seen a storm that fits the true definition of a hurricane. Also, the state has never had a true tsunami, however, we do get what are called meteotsunamis.

READ MORE: Did Tsunami Kill 25 People in Lake Michigan?

You might be surprised that although they are rare, the State of Michigan has reported more than 30 earthquakes with epicenters within state lines. Coldwater, Michigan had the biggest quake back in 1947 that registered 4.6 on the scale according to WLNS.

READ MORE: Michigan Near Annual Tornado Average Before May

So while I would not rush out today and buy volcano insurance, the possibility of an earthquake here in the Great Lakes State is definitely present.