A 5.0 Earthquake Was Reported in Texas

There are numerous smaller earthquakes that happen in Texas, usually 2.0-3.0. However, every once in while a 'strong' quake happens in Texas.  This past weekend a 5.0 earthquake was reported in west Texas near Toyah, Texas and we felt across West Texas and New Mexico.

Aftershocks:

Three more earthquakes, more than likely aftershocks, were reported in the same area  early Saturday, Those quakes ranged in intensity from 2.6 to 3.8.  Above information has been confirmed by United States Geological Survey.  The epicenter was located around 230 miles west of San Angelo and 260 miles west of Abilene.

@weatherdaddy #earthquake #texas #elpasotx ♬ Suspense - Gold-Tiger

Other 5.0+ quakes in Texas

In September of 2024, a 5.1-magnitude earthquake has just been reported in  the Permian Basin at 7:49 p.m. Monday night. The earthquake struck about 21 west-southwest of Ackerly at a depth of about 3 miles, leading citizens to report tremors from all over West Texas.

In 2023, a magnitude 5.3 earthquake was reported in west Texas in November , as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey.

Strongest Earthquake ever in Texas

The strongest earthquake to ever hit Texas was a 6.0 magnitude quake that struck near Valentine, Texas on Aug. 16, 1931.

Why most earthquakes happen in Texas: 

Most people will say fracking. Here is the official response from the USGS. While earthquakes are not directly caused by hydraulic fracturing (fracking). The two are connected.

The recent increase in earthquakes is primarily caused by the disposal of waste fluids that are a byproduct of oil production. How does this cause an earthquake? Wastewater disposal wells typically operate for longer durations and inject much more fluid than is injected during the hydraulic fracturing process, making them more likely to induce earthquakes.

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