Corey Adams

According to the US Geological Survey, a 5.9 magnitude earthquake rattled through Fredericksburg, Virginia, rippling through many outlying cities in the area. The earthquake hit at approximately 1:50 p.m. The US Geological Survey described the quake as being close to 0.6 of a mile underground. Many people headed to cover in nearby shelters while cell phones became inoperable when the earthquake interfered with their provider's signal.

Although the earthquake was centered in Mineral County, VA., the quake was felt and feared as far north as New York and as far south as the Carolinas. Given the intensity of the quake, Virginia was spared major injuries or damage. Virginia governor Bob McDonnell stated in a news conference, "The very good news is the damage and any injuries have been very, very, minor." The Virginia Department of Transportation inspected numerous roads and bridges and concluded no "significant infrastructure damage" had occurred said McDonnell on Tuesday afternoon. Although there was no immediate danger, Virginia Dominion Power shut down its two-reactor nuclear power plant in Louisa County.

Many people from the community of Mineral assumed that the earthquake was just a train as Mineral is home to a major rail line. Thankfully, no injuries were sustained other than cuts and bruises.

An earthquake on the East Coast is a rarity, so this earthquake was certainly unexpected. Many cases of property damage were reported in the Washington, D.C. and New York state. After the earthquake, there was a 2.8 magnitude aftershock, according the the USGS.