5.9 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Virginia; 5.3 Strikes Colorado

A rare 5.9 magnitude earthquake has hit Louisa, Va., northwest of Richmond, Va. The quake struck at 1:51 ET and was felt up the eastern seaboard, in Washington D.C., New York City, Martha's Vineyard and Boston, Mass., and as far south as Chapel Hill, N.C. Yesterday, an earthquake hit Trinidad, Colo., as well. Reports of its strength varied from 4.6 to 5.3. That earthquake is the first in 40 years. Scientists say this earthquake began half a mile underground.

I was listening to NPR news, and they reported feeling the earthquake in their studios. No injuries are reported and no damage to National Mall monuments. Many of these areas have been evacuated. The Washington National Cathedral reported structural damage, however. Three of the four pinnacles (cap stones) on the central tower have tumbled. The tower appears to be leaning as well. Several nuclear reactors automatically shut down as well.

Several major airports have canceled flights, including John F. Kennedy International Airport (code JFK) in New York City, Liberty International Airport (code EWN) in Newark, N.J. and Philadelphia International Airport (code PHL) in Philadelphia, Pa. Currently these three have resumed limited operations, but Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (code DCA) in Washington D.C. is closed. Some damage occurred there. Passengers and travelers should expect delays and long waits. To access updated information, visit their websites. You can also sign-up for email updates specific to your itinerary and flight information.

Scientists say that while earthquakes are not unheard of on the eastern seaboard, they only occur every few decades. Earthquakes measuring 5.9 on the Richter Scale are even more unusual. Compared to the 2010 9.2 earthquake in Haiti or the 2011 Japan earthquake, 5.9 is mild. However, in Japan, buildings are designed to withstand seismic activity. Residents along the United States east coast are generally not prepared to deal with earthquakes. Buildings aren't designed with earthquakes in mind.

Often, earthquakes are followed by tsunamis or tidal waves. The southeastern seaboard regions of the U.S., including Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida, are already under watch for Hurricane Irene. Hurricane Irene's northern cone reaches up to Virginia. Irene is a Saffir-Simpson Category 2 hurricane, moving at 85 knots or 100 miles per hour. Category 2 hurricanes, though low on the hurricane scale, are dangerous nevertheless. Winds speeds of 96-110 miles per hour can produce great devastation and danger.

Here are links for earthquake preparedness and emergency response tips for work, school and home.

* Occupational Safety and Health Administration

* Center for Disease Control

* Federal Emergency Management Administration

Marilisa Kinney Sachteleben is an avid weather watcher and storm chaser. She writes about weather from 25 years teaching general, environmental and earth science.