Earthquake Confirmed In CT, Norwalk Police Release Statement: UPDATE

NORWALK, CT — A confirmed earthquake was reported Friday morning and police said they have not received any reports of injuries or damage in Norwalk at this time.

Police said in a statement Friday morning the city "experienced a mild earthquake within the past hour...our officers have been checking with community members and have not received any reports of injuries or reports of damage. We will continue to monitor the situation and advise our community."

Following the rumblings, Norwalk Public Schools initiated a "shelter in" safety protocol at schools throughout the city, however the district reported around 11:15 a.m. they had consulted with the city's Emergency Management Team and were cleared to lift the protocol and return schools to normal operations.

District officials also noted each school had been called and no injuries were reported.

"Thank you to everyone for your patience," district officials said on Facebook, "and we appreciate your support."

In a statement released around 10:45 a.m., city officials said they are "aware of the reported 4.8 magnitude earthquake that was felt in parts of Connecticut. The epicenter hit Lebanon, New Jersey. There are no known damages in the City of Norwalk at this time."

The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed Friday the noise and rumbling felt throughout the city was, indeed, an earthquake.

A number of Norwalk and nearby residents reported feeling mild to heavy vibrations and hearing loud rumblings Friday morning.

Members of a Norwalk community Facebook page quickly took to social media Friday morning to report loud rumblings and houses shaking in all areas of the city, including East Norwalk, West Norwalk and Cranbury.

See also: 4.7 Magnitude Earthquake Rocks CT: Did You Feel it?

A magnitude 4.7 earthquake detected with an epicenter identified seven kilometers north northeast of Whitehouse Station in New Jersey, according to the USGS, which monitors earthquakes.

Reports of buildings shaking began about 10:20 a.m. and lasted for approximately 30 seconds.

The earthquake was felt in Westport, but according to police, there have been no reports of damage. "[We] will provide more information when available," Westport police said in a statement.

Darien police said, "Preliminary information is indicating that our area just sustained an earthquake (10:23hrs). Epicenter is believed to be northern New Jersey. At this time there is no reported damage to property or injury to persons in Darien. "

Patch will update this breaking news story.