First Quake, then Aftershocks

Update 9 p.m.

The U.S. Geological Survey has confirmed a 4.2 aftershock centered near Mineral, Va. at 8:05 p.m.

This latest tremor was centered just 33 miles southwest of Fredericksburg.

The latest earthquake comes after today’s much larger quake, measuring 5.8 on the Richter Scale, rocked the Potomac Communities just before 2 p.m.

Stafford County officials say they are checking buildings to make sure they are structurally sound. Officials also say Stafford courts will open on time Wednesday.

This latest aftershock follows two that were reported earlier this afternoon following the major quake. Both registered in the 2.0 range, according to USGS.

Officials in Prince William County have been out all evening surveying damage left behind by the 5.8 magnitude quake. While several buildings include the county’s Eastern District Police Station off U.S. 1 in Woodbridge was damaged, none of the damage appears to be severe.

All Prince William County Government Public Facilities have been inspected by Public Works and no structural damage has been reported. Any damage reported is minor and superficial in nature.

Prince William County Public Schools have been inspected and minor structural damage to Woodbridge High School and Potomac High School has been reported. There is no concern to the structural integrity of the buildings and the damage is isolated. Structural engineers are on site to address the issues.

No structural damage has been confirmed in any private facilities, but residents and businesses are encouraged to inspect their homes/facilities and report major damages.

-Prince William County spokesman Jason Grant

Update 6 p.m.
Ivy Bovey ‘s home shook much like everyone else’s on the East Coast today, but in the earthquake’s wake cracks appeared in the walls of her Montclair home.
 

Update 4:15 p.m.

For Tyrone Patterson, 53, the large earthquake felt like the end of the world when his house in Dale City began to shake and pictures began falling off the wall.

I was sitting in my basement and at first when I heard the noise I thought someone broke into the house and that my son who was upstairs was fighting them. So then I jumped up and I hear the walls downstairs rattling, and as I start walking it felt like the floor was leaving my feet, and then it was like the house was twisting,” said Patterson.

This is the first time in his life he’s ever felt an earthquake, and was in such shock he called 911 to have paramedics come to his home to check him out. Afterward, he got a clean bill of health.

The quake has also caused closures in Stafford County, as officials now say courts and libraries have closed early.

The quake has also caused closures in Stafford County, as officials now say courts and libraries have closed early.

Update 4 p.m.

Prince William County officials have confirmed a police station on Donald Curtis Drive in Woodbridge was damaged during this afternoon’s earthquake.

A building inspector has been called to the building, police barred PotomacLocal.com from entering the building when we asked for a glimpse of the damage.

In Prince William County, there has been confirmed reports of minor structural damage, gas leaks and water leaks. There have been no reported injuries.

Residents are encouraged to inspect their homes and businesses to inspect their facilities for structural damage. If you witness new cracks greater than 1/4-inch; excessive bowing of walls, ceilings or floorboards; and/or the smell of natural gas please evacuate the structure and call 9-1-1.

-Prince William County spokesman Jason Grant

Stafford County fared better during the now reported 5.9 magnitude quake, as officials there are reporting little if any damage though the county’s government center was evacuated.

We have done a quick check of our critical care facilities to include the Stafford Hospital, our schools (where polling locations are located) and other facilities and so far there has been no critical damage or injuries reported. We are getting lots of 911 calls, but they are not really emergencies, just people telling us that there was an earthquake. Our Government Center has been evacuated and we are inspecting to make sure it is safe for people to return.

-Stafford County spokeswoman Cathy Riddle

At Sentara Potomac Hospital in Woodbridge, officials say no one was injured.

There is no visible structural damage. Maintenance is in the process of making a complete facility assessment. Utilities, cell phone and internet service are operational. All non-emergency procedures have been postponed as a precaution.

-Sentara Potomac Hospital spokeswoman Charlene Wilkins

Virginia Railway Express trains ferrying passengers home for their afternoon commutes were forced to slow down. The railroad issued the following statement following the quake.

Due to earthquake trains are running at reduced speeds. Afternoon service may be delayed. Amtrak has stopped all train movement until tunnels can be inspected. We will keep riders updated as to the inspection process.

-VRE

As many offices let out early for the day, drivers took to Interstate 95 quickly clogging the highway between Dumfries and Quantico.

The earthquake shook the region what is a Primary Election Day. Officials remind voters that polls in the Potomac  Communities are still open until 7 p.m.

Original post 2:15 p.m.

Officials are reporting the Eastern U.S. was shook by an earthquake registering 5.8 on the Richter scale.

The quake centered at Mineral, Va., according to reports. A small crack has been reported at the Prince William police station in Woodbridge.

Cell phone usage across the region has come to a halt, as many calls are not going through.

Several high-rise buildings near the Franconia-Springfield Metro station were briefly evacuated.

Since 1977, there have been 200 earthquakes in Virginia. The last 5.8 measured earthquake in the state, noted as “the big one,” was recorded in 1897.