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Did you feel it? Small earthquake reported in NC mountains

HAYWOOD COUNTY, N.C. — A magnitude 2.6 earthquake was recorded Tuesday night in the North Carolina mountains, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The quake happened at 7:28 p.m. with its epicenter 2.5 miles northwest of Canton in Haywood County. Its depth was about 0.7 miles.

Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers told ABC affiliate WLOS that the quake was related to Pactiv Evergreen’s plan to close the paper mill in town.

About 1,100 employees were expected to lose their jobs.

The final whistle will blow at noon Wednesday, May 24, nearly three months after it was announced the plant would close.

“The earthquake was a result of all the prayers coming our way about tomorrow,” Smathers said.


VIDEO: Small earthquake reported in Pineville area