According to United States Geological Survey (USGS), the National Capital Region, as well as the mid Atlantic Region, experienced a 5.8 magnitude earthquake this afternoon.  FEMA is closely monitoring the situation and is in close contact with federal, state, and local partners.  Preliminary damage assessments are currently taking place in all affected areas, however, at this time there are no reports of major damage or requests for assistance.

Congressman Connolly encourages Northern Virginia residents to have patience and be very careful in their commutes home this evening.  As a result of the earthquake, the National Capital Region is experiencing increased volume on highways.  VDOT has lifted HOV restrictions on I-95, 395, and I-66.  Metro and VRE trains are currently running at 15 mph as tracks are inspected for damage.  Train service will be impacted for the next several hours.

Due to overload of cell phone usage, there are reports of cell phone congestion.  FEMA has requested that members of the public use email or text messages if possible to communicate for the next few hours, except in cases of emergency, so that emergency officials can continue to receive and respond to urgent calls.

 Update from OPM: 

Some buildings are closed pending further inspections.  A list of closed buildings as well as operating guidelines can be found here.

FEMA’s Ready.gov website offers guidance on what to do to stay safe in the event of an earthquake.

USGS information

FEMA blog on mid Atlantic Earthquake