Foothills earthqake wakes up N.C., registered 5.1

Map of reports from users who say they felt the earthquake Sunday morning in North Carolina. Photo via USGS

SPARTA – The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed a 5.1 magnitude earthquake this morning in North Carolina.

The earthquake was centered close to the town of Sparta, in Alleghany County.

It is believed to be the strongest earthquake felt in North Carolina since 1916, according to reports.