Virginia-Centered Earthquake Felt in Shelton

Tremors from a earthquake centered in Virginia could be felt in Shelton Tuesday afternoon.

The U.S. Geological Survey described the event as a 5.9-magnitude earthquake centered 34 miles northwest of Richmond, Va.

The quake occurred at 1:51 p.m., according to the survey, and could be felt moments later in New York and Connecticut.

Minor to moderate tremors could be felt in on Commerce Drive and the adjacent areas of Bridgeport Avenue.

Parts of the White House and Pentagon in Washington were evacuated, according to reports, along with City Hall and numerous other buildings in New York. The Associated Press reports that two nuclear reactors near the epicenter of the quake were taken offline.

The Capitol in Hartford was also evacuated as a precautionary measure. Disruptions in cell phone service were also reported across the Tri-State area.

Governor Dannel Malloy released a statement saying:

“The movement people in Connecticut felt was associated with the earthquake which originated in Virginia.  Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection staff is at the Emergency Operations Center as a precaution, but at this point, there have been no reports of injury or damage.”