4.8 quake rattles southern Kansas residents

As cooler temps hit the area, the last thing folks in southern Kansas and northern Oklahoma expected would be is an earthquake.

The area hardest hit was located about 33 miles southwest of Wichita where residents reported shaking that moved some furniture almost a foot and items fell from shelves, along with large chunks of ceiling plaster.Some houses were moved off their foundations by an inch or so.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported and estimates for property damage aren't available yet.

The earthquake was measured at 4.8 on the Richter scale, which is considered moderate. A full scale quake would top out around 9 or 10.

Another quake was felt near Pleasanton, Kansas on Tuesday and tremors from it were felt as far away as Nevada, Mo. No significant damage was reported.

While some may not be aware, the epicenter of Wednesday's earthquake lies along a known problem area called the Humbolt Fault Zone which spans the entire north/south span of the state.

On the Missouri side, the New Madrid fault, which runs through the boot heel of the state has had some recent seismic activity, but nothing substantial since 1811.

Get more information about the New Madrid fault here.

See more about the Humbolt fault here.