Virginia Earthquake Shakes Pittsburgh

An earthquake of a magnitude of 5.9 shook Pittsburgh Tuesday afternoon.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey's website, the earthquake occurred at 1:51 p.m. in Richmond, Va. It was felt through Virginia, Washington D.C., New Jersey, New York City, Delaware, as far north as Boston and as far west as Chicago.

Residents in Plum, Oakmont and Verona felt tremors.

Verona police Chief Ron McLemore said the police department is receiving several calls, but there's no damage in the area.

Oakmont police Chief David DiSanti felt the quake. He said the station has received some phonecalls about homes vibrating and shaking, but no injuries or structural damage has been reported.

"I felt it myself," he said. "It was the most unique feeling. It lasted about three seconds, and the floor shook."

Parkvale Bank in Monroeville was evacuated after the earthquake occured.

Those at Community College of Allegheny County Boyce Campus also felt the shakes.

A Washington County 911 supervisor said the office has been inundated with phone calls regarding the aftershocks of the earthquake but confirmed there has been no damage or injuries reported countywide.

Joey Vallarian, Duquesne Light spokesman, said all systems are secure and no problems experienced from the tremor.

PennDOT District 11 press officer Jim Struzzi said he was not aware of any roads or bridges that suffered damage after the earthquake.

Pittsburgh International Airport is reporting operations are normal. The Port Authority is operating normally.

We'll continue to check with local officials for further details on the safety of residents, homes and buildings.

In the meantime, join the conversation on the Plum-Oakmont Patch Facebook. Where were you when you felt the tremor?