Earthquake

Did you feel it? 5.1M earthquake one of six to rattle West Texas Friday

Shaking felt in North Texas after earthquake recorded near Snyder

The United States Geological Survey confirmed six earthquakes rattled West Texas Friday morning, the largest a 5.1 magnitude.

According to the USGS, the quakes centered near Hermleigh, Texas, in Scurry County, about 60 miles west-northwest of Abilene.

The first tremor was the largest, with a magnitude of 5.1, and was recorded at 9:28 a.m. about 11 miles northeast of Hermleigh and east of Snyder, north of U.S. Highway 180 on the Scurry and Fisher county lines.

As of 1 p.m., five aftershocks have been recorded, including a 3.0 magnitude quake at 9:32 a.m., a 2.6 magnitude quake at 9:34 a.m., a 3.3 magnitude quake at 9:40 a.m., a 2.7 magnitude quake at 10:44 a.m. and a 2.5 magnitude quake at 11:11 a.m.

In the immediate area near the epicenter, moderate to strong shaking was reported with very light to light damage possible.

Scurry County Judge Dan Hicks said Friday afternoon that the county has had 61 earthquakes in the last seven days and that damage has been found at businesses and residences.

Hicks declared a disaster in the county Friday to get assistance from the state and is asking anyone with damage or losses to fill out a survey that will help them identify the scope of damage in the area.

Hicks said Emergency Management Coordinator Jay Callaway "is working closely with TDEM to monitor the damage throughout Scurry County and the surrounding area."

The USGS said weak shaking was reportedly felt in North Texas, and that damage in the DFW area was unlikely.

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