Earthquake shakes parts of downstate Illinois, USGS confirms

Tuesday, January 20, 2026
CHICAGO (WLS) -- A small earthquake was recorded in downstate Illinois on Tuesday, the United States Geological Survey confirmed.



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 every 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.
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