“Shakeout” Day

Today is the annual “Great Central U.S. Shakeout.”  Millions of people across 14 states are participating in drills to help prepare for a major magnitude geological event.  Jeff Briggs from SEMA says the annual earthquake drill is also designed to raise awareness of the possibility of quakes in this part of the country.

 

Briggs is speaking of the New Madrid Seismic Zone, which experiences hundreds of small quakes each year.  Geologists estimate that there’s a 7-10% chance of a major quake in the next 50 years. If it hits, we’ll definitely feel it in the lake area, but will it affect the Bagnell Dam?  According to Ameren-Missouri Director of Hydro Operations Warren Witt, the dam is not believed to be in any jeopardy.