SPARTA, N.C. — The most powerful earthquake to hit North Carolina in more than 100 years shook much of the state early Sunday, rattling homes, businesses and residents.

The National Weather Service in Greenville said the 5.1-magnitude temblor struck at 8:07 a.m., following a much smaller quake several hours earlier.

There were no reports of serious injuries, but some minor structural damage was reported in Sparta, as well as cracks in roads.

The U.S. Geological Survey said on its website that there are chances for one or more aftershocks in the next week, forecasting a 45 percent chance for earthquakes of magnitude 3 or greater.