5.9 Earthquake in Virginia, Felt Throughout New Jersey

The epicenter of the 5.9 earthquake was 87 miles southwest of Washington D.C. at approximately 38°N and 78°W. The inland earthquake struck at 1:51 p.m on Tuesday, Aug. 23, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The effects of the earthquake were felt from Virginia up to Massachusetts. 

"Since at least 1774, people in central Virginia have felt small earthquakes and suffered damage from infrequent larger ones," the USGS Web site explains. 

The shaking within New Jersey has reportedly been light and weak, with no significant damage. Since the earthquake was inland, there is no danger of a tsunami as a result of the earthquake. 

The Manalapan Township Police Department said that no damage from the earthquake has been reported within the township, although phone lines have remained busy from residents feeling the trembles and calling for more information. 

The USGS is asking those who felt the earthquake to fill out an online survey to assist their information gathering.

Numerous phone companies advised customers to text or e-mail and avoid making calls to cut down on call volume and improve cell service. Those companies included T-Mobile, Sprint and Verizon.

"Seeing no reports of damage to our wireless network. There was some network congestion in the East after tremors," Verizon spokesman David Samberg posted on Twitter.

Trains, buses and light rail are all operating and NJTransit tickets are being cross-honored, Governor Chris Christie said in a statement.

measures after its sensors registered the quake.

Once the seismic event was verified the plant went into an "unusual event," which is considered the lowest level of their emergency plan, spokesperson Suzanne D’Ambrosio said. This activates the plant’s emergency response organization and emergency response procedures.

“While in the usual event, the plant operators and emergency personnel will walk the entire site to make sure nothing was affected by seismic event itself,” she said.

The plant is still at full power and the plant will be able to provide further information on the impact of the earthquake once it becomes available.

Oyster Creek, which began commercial operations in 1969, is the oldest operating nuclear plant in the country and provides enough around-the-clock electricity for 600,000 New Jersey homes.

Likewise,  were taken off line by safety systems when the quake hit.

A senior Obama administration told the Washington Post that the White House “shook pretty hard.”

Other Capitol buildings were also evacuated.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Association, New Jersey ranks low on the list of states at risk for experiencing an earthquake.

Northern New Jersey is put in a category that's low on the list and described as "having a hazard shaking of moderate intensity," which could be felt by all and could lead to slight damage.

Southern New Jersey is put in a category described as having "a small probability of experiencing damaging earth quake effects."