4.0 earthquake reported in Bootheel

A magnitude-4.0 earthquake was reported in the Bootheel of Missouri just before 11 p.m. Wednesday, according to data from the U.S. Geological Survey.

According to the USGS website, the quake occurred at 10:51 p.m. 2 miles south-southwest of Steele, Missouri, in Pemiscot County. The earthquake's depth reportedly was 7.3 miles.

It was unknown before press time whether the earthquake caused any damage. People in Southeast Missouri and Arkansas reported the tremblor on social media.

The Blytheville, Arkansas, Courier News also received several reports of the quake.

"Large boom with tremor lasting at least 30-45 seconds in Blytheville. Could feel waves passing," said Sally Cooke in a Twitter post.

Ammi Tucker of Osceola, Arkansas, tweeted: "Was that just an earthquake in NEA? Shook house in Osceola ... that was nuts! Strongest one I've felt in years!"

Another tweet came from Teryn Spears, who said, "For a moment ... I thought someone ran into our house."

Earthquakes are relatively common the region, with the New Madrid seismic zone running through Mississippi County. The New Madrid zone is the most seismically active area in North America east of the Rockies. During the winter of 1811-1812 three large earthquakes devastated the area and were felt in much of the nation.