Modest 2.5 magnitude earthquake hits N. Carolina mountains

WEAVERVILLE, N.C. – Residents of a North Carolina mountain community are learning the sound of thunder accompanied by strange vibrations they felt was actually a minor earthquake.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the preliminary magnitude 2.5 earthquake rumbled Monday near the town of Weaverville, about 10 miles north of Asheville. No injuries or damage was reported.

The temblor was among the weakest that people can feel.

The federal agency recorded slightly stronger earthquakes Monday in Tennessee, Utah and California.