An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.9 struck near Washington, D.C., just before 2 p.m. and tremors were felt across the Allegheny region, according to GantDaily news partner WJAC-TV.
A phone call by GantDaily.com to AccuWeather revealed the earthquake centered in Virginia and could be pinpointed to approximately 27 miles east of Charlottesville and 39 miles northwest of Richmond near Mineral, VA. However, people reportedly felt the earthquake as far away as Connecticut, meteorologist Mike Pigott, of AccuWeather, said.
Pigott confirmed the earthquake was felt throughout Pennsylvania and was able to span the distance because preliminary reports indicate it’s a “shallow quake,” allowing it to travel more efficiently. He said the earthquake has been estimated at only one-half of a mile deep.
Pigott said that the U.S. Geological Survey would determine the exact depth and related data within the next couple of hours. The preliminary data will be revised at that time.
According to WJAC-TV, people from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh experienced shaking buildings and slight tremors. The ground was felt shaking across the region and people in Johnstown, Ebensburg and Bedford said they also felt the earth moving.
No immediate reports of damage or injuries were reported during the brief wave Tuesday just before 2 p.m. but in some cities, people have left their office buildings.
In Harrisburg, parts of the fourth and floors of the State Capitol were evacuated and one staffer, Bill Longworth, told The Associated Press that he was sitting at his desk, felt the shaking and had the “oddest feeling.”
He said the shaking got progressively bigger and then just stopped.
The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake was felt as far north as Rhode Island and New York City. The Pentagon was evacuated around 2 p.m.
Stay with GantDaily.com, WJACTV.com, WJACTV.com Mobile and Channel 6 News for continuing coverage.