NU Online News Service, Aug. 23, 3:09 p.m. EDT
A 5.9 magnitude earthquake struck central Virginia this afternoon with reports the quake was felt as far north as Canada.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the quake was centered four miles south-southeast from Lousia, Va., and 83 miles southwest from Washington, D.C.
The USGS says the earthquake occurred at 1.51 p.m.
Early reports say tremors were felt throughout the East Coast, as far north as New England and into parts of Canada.
Tremors were felt for a number of seconds in the editorial offices of National Underwriter located in Hoboken, N.J. Affiliate offices of the parent company, Summit Business Media, in Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia were evacuated.
In the New York area, there were no reports of damage, but some offices were evacuated and the Holland Tunnel was closed temporarily. Newark-Liberty Airport and J.F.K. Airport were also closed temporarily, according to news reports.
The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports that police in Richmond, Va., have received calls about possible property damage.
A public employee in Mineral, Va., which is located about four miles from the earthquake’s center, says there was some building damage to municipal offices there.
There are reports that the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., sustained damage to its spires. On its website, the National Cathedral is saying it is closed for the afternoon to inspect for damage.
The USGS says this is the largest earthquake in Virginia in over a century. It reported a 2.8 magnitude aftershock at 2:46 p.m.
This story was updated at 3:38 p.m.
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