Recently, a massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Russia, and this quake was so big it was detected in Kentucky!

Earthquake off the Coast of Russia Detected in Kentucky

On July 29th, 2025, a very strong 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Russia. This quake was so strong that a seismograph in Kentucky picked it up. This is the same earthquake that prompted the tsunami warnings across much of the Pacific coast.

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Dillon Gaudet Weather, a meteorologist in Lexington, shared on Facebook a post that explains how a seismograph in Kentucky, more than 5,000 miles away, was able to pick up the quake:

When a strong earthquake like this happens, it sends energy rippling through the Earth in the form of seismic waves. These waves travel through rock and soil, some go straight through the Earth's interior, while others ripple along the surface.

Even though we can’t feel these waves with our bodies (they're usually too subtle and stretched out by the time they reach us), sensitive instruments called seismographs can pick up the tiniest ground movements, even ones smaller than the width of a human hair!

Fascinating right? All of this talk of earthquakes got me thinking: what was the strongest quake to ever shake the Bluegrass State?

Photo by Jens Aber on Unsplash

What Was the Strongest Earthquake to Rock Kentucky?

According to the UK Geological Survey, the strongest earthquake in Kentucky happened on July 27th, 1980, and caused $3 million in damage.

Kentucky is affected by earthquakes from several seismic zones in and around the state. The most important one is the New Madrid Seismic Zone, in which at least three great earthquakes, each estimated to have been greater than magnitude 7, occurred from December 1811 to February 1812. Though the state was sparsely settled then, these great earthquakes affected the whole commonwealth of Kentucky. The strongest earthquake recorded in Kentucky is the Sharpsburg earthquake of July 27, 1980, in Bath County. The quake was magnitude 5.2 and caused an estimated $3 million in damage.

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What to Do During an Earthquake

Here in the Midwest, earthquakes aren't something we deal with frequently, so if you're like me, you may need a quick earthquake safety refresher!

Tomislav Zivkovic

Ready.gov has several tips on ways you can prepare for earthquakes, including making sure all of the fixtures in your home are secured properly.

If an earthquake happens, protect yourself right away:

If you are inside, stay and do not run outside and avoid doorways.
If you are in bed, turn face down and cover your head and neck with a pillow.
If you are in a car, pull over and stop. Set your parking brake.
If you're outside, stay there. Move to an open area away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and power lines. Drop and cover until shaking stops to protect yourself from flying debris. Learn more at Earthquake Country Alliance.

LOOK: The most expensive weather and climate disasters in recent decades

Stacker ranked the most expensive climate disasters by the billions since 1980 by the total cost of all damages, adjusted for inflation, based on 2021 data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The list starts with Hurricane Sally, which caused $7.3 billion in damages in 2020, and ends with a devastating 2005 hurricane that caused $170 billion in damage and killed at least 1,833 people. Keep reading to discover the 50 of the most expensive climate disasters in recent decades in the U.S.

Gallery Credit: KATELYN LEBOFF