5.9 Earthquake Hits Central Virginia

Mineral, VA – Did you feel a little shakin’ going on around 2pm on August 23rd? If you did, you’re not alone, as a 5.9 earthquake hit southwest and central Virginia around that time. The epicenter is thought to be between Charlottesville and Richmond close to Mineral, Virginia and a little over a half mile deep according to the USGS website. The quake was felt as far north as New York and Rhode Island.

WCHG Station Coordinator Carol Hardbarger spoke with Bath County Sheriff Larry Norfleet, who says there have been no reports of damage in Bath County. Sheriff Norfleet also says two reactors at the North Anna nuclear power plant in Mineral, Va have been shut down following the quake. According to Dominion Resources, the plants lost off-site power, but diesel generators are operating.

Mike Holstine at the national radio observatory in Green Bank gives some information on what they’ve learned about the quake. Please click on the above link to hear the interview.