Magnitude 4.3 earthquake strikes eastern Kentucky The U.S. Geological Survey is reporting that an earthquake centered in Kentucky also rattled at least three other states. The USGS website says the epicenter of the 4.3 magnitude earthquake on Saturday afternoon was about 10 miles west of Whitesburg. Residents in eastern Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia and Tennessee reported feeling the temblor. National Weather Service spokesman Jeff Carico says employees at the office in Jackson, which is about 60 miles northwest of Whitesburg, felt the ground shake for about 15 seconds. He says the office has gotten numerous calls, but so far no one has reported any serious damage.