All the rockin' and rollin' around Reno / Tahoe isn't in the nightclubs and casinos. Since February 28, numerous earthquakes centered just northwest of downtown Reno have been occurring, sometimes at the rate of several a day. Most have been too small to be felt, but a sharp shock of 4.2 magnitude hit on April 24. Most everyone in town, including me, felt that one loud and clear. No serious damage was noted, though people in downtown highrises reported a bit of swaying and a few dishes slid off shelves.

New residents may be surprised to find themselves in earthquake country. If they moved here from California, they could already be used to the action, but they didn't go far enough to eliminate the risk. Reno / Tahoe has numerous earthquake faults. In fact, Nevada is the third most seismically active state in the U.S.

One need not feel helpless. Lots of scientists are monitoring the tremors and a wealth of information is available to assist with preparing for and coping with Nevada earthquakes. Earthquakes Rocking Reno / Tahoe is a timely article with lots of information about the current situation and where to learn more.

Update: The biggest one yet, a 4.9, hit Friday night, February 25. Whether or not this portends the big one is an unknown. Stay tuned for further developments.