A magnitude 3.0 earthquake rattled Central Virginia Tuesday afternoon,with its epicenter near Dillwyn,in Buckingham county. The tremor, while relatively minor, was felt across a wide area, prompting reports from residents in various communities.

Residents Report Feeling the Shake

The effects of the earthquake were felt as far away as colonial Heights, North Chesterfield, and the Fan District in Richmond, according to numerous reports. Social media quickly filled with accounts from residents describing their experiences.

• Dillwyn: diane Boggs Blackburn, a resident of Dillwyn, reported, My house in Dillwyn was shaking and loud explosion. Glad it wasn’t worse.
• Crewe: Lynda Leap Hensley, from Crewe, noted, House vibrated hear in Crewe. Big rumble also.
• Prince Edward County: Cheryl Cook described a more dramatic experience: Yes — in Prince Edward County.It was like someone picked up my house and dropped it straight down. My house then shook and everything rattled. Lasted just a few seconds. My first thought was an explosion or plane crash.
• Cumberland: Jennifer Harman observed unusual animal behavior preceding the quake: I’m in Cumberland. My dogs began howling and going crazy before it started and the goats began running in circles,like they could feel it before the actual shaking began,and then the house began to shake so hard and the rumble sound was loud to.
• Farmville: Brenda Mani Meshejian, from Farmville, stated, Yes! There was a LOUD rumble and the whole house shook.

Share Your Experience with the USGS

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) is collecting data to better understand the earthquake. Residents who felt the tremor are encouraged to share their location and experience.

You can contribute to the USGS data collection efforts by reporting your experience here.

Social Media Reactions

The earthquake quickly became a topic of discussion on social media, with many sharing their experiences and reactions.