Small earthquake hits near Rolla

HERMANN, Mo. -- An earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 2.9 shook parts of central Missouri early Tuesday, but no damage was reported.

The earthquake occurred at 12:55 a.m. and was centered 20 miles northeast of Rolla, said John Minch of the National Earthquake Information Center in Golden, Colo.

Minch said the quake could be felt in Franklin, Crawford and Gasconade counties, but sheriff's deputies reported no damage.

Minch said damage is unlikely from an earthquake of less than 4.0 magnitude.

Much of Missouri in the New Madrid Seismic Zone, where earthquake scientists say some of the largest quakes ever in North America struck during 1811 and 1812.