ReportWire

Earthquake shakes parts of downstate Illinois, USGS confirms

ByABC7 Chicago Digital Team

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 12:31PM

Earthquake shakes parts of downstate Illinois, USGS confirms

CHICAGO (WLS) — A small earthquake was recorded in downstate Illinois on Tuesday, the United States Geological Survey confirmed.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

The 3.8 magnitude quake was reported at about 1:27 a.m. near Ohlman, Illinois, USGS said.

The shake was felt in Springfield and in St. Louis, Missouri according to reports to USGS.

Officials said the earthquake happened in the Illinois basin – Ozark dome region.

The USGS said moderate earthquakes strike the region evert 10 to 20 years, and smaller earthquakes are felt about once or twice a year.

The largest historical earthquake in the region was a magnitude 5.4, which left damage in southern Illinois in 1968, USGS said.

Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

WLS

Source link