Residents across parts of Lancashire were woken by the ground shaking early this morning, as a minor earthquake struck the region for the second time in a fortnight.
Early Morning Tremor Felt Along the Coast
A 2.5-magnitude earthquake was recorded off the coast of Silverdale in Lancashire in the early hours of Friday, 19 December 2025. The British Geological Survey (BGS) confirmed the seismic event, which occurred just after midnight.
The tremor was felt in several coastal communities, with residents in the town of Morecambe among those who reported their homes shaking. Numerous people took to social media to describe hearing a loud rumbling or 'thunder noise' accompanying the quake, which lasted for a few seconds.
Second Quake in Under Two Weeks
This latest event marks the second time in less than two weeks that the area has experienced an earthquake. The recurrence has prompted both interest and concern among locals, though seismologists stress that such low-magnitude events are not uncommon in the UK.
The British Geological Survey is the official body that monitors seismic activity across the country. Their rapid confirmation of the quake's magnitude and epicentre provides crucial data for understanding the UK's geological activity.
Understanding UK Earthquakes
While the phrase 'UK earthquake' might sound alarming, the British Isles experience hundreds of minor tremors every year. Most are so faint they go completely unnoticed by the public.
A quake of magnitude 2.5, like the one near Silverdale, is classified as very minor and rarely causes any damage. It is, however, strong enough to be felt by people indoors and may cause rattling windows or moving furniture.
The key facts from today's event are:
- Magnitude: 2.5 on the Richter scale.
- Location: Off the coast of Silverdale, Lancashire.
- Date & Time: Early hours of 19 December 2025.
- Areas Affected: Silverdale, Morecambe, and surrounding towns.
- Reported Effects: Shaking homes and a loud rumbling noise.
There have been no reports of injuries or significant structural damage following the tremor. Local authorities have not issued any advisories, and life in the affected towns has returned to normal.
