A 3.6-magnitude earthquake struck near the Gaithersburg, Maryland, area just after 5 a.m. ET Friday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
The center of the quake was about 20 miles northwest of Washington, the USGS said.
"It was really loud, like a plane flying really low. I had never felt anything like it," said Anne Ngunjiri, 30, of Gaithersburg. "I was jolted out of bed. All my neighbors woke up. After it passed, I thought it could be an earthquake, and lay in bed hoping there were no aftershocks."
Judy Rudolph, 64, said she was writing e-mails in bed in Rockville, Maryland, when her house started to shake. "My first reaction was the noise.... I thought it was an explosion," she said. She said she'd never felt anything like it in her 31 years living there.
The last earthquake in Maryland occurred on October 8, 2007, according to the USGS website. It was a 1.7-magnitude quake about 5 miles northwest of Baltimore.
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Why does Mr. Obama not release his long-form birth criitfecate? This would prove his natural born citizenship. I understand he has spent over a millon dollar to hide it from the public. It will just cost a few dollars to take a copy and show it to the press.
probably because in the dc area is slightly rare to have them
Jeanette did you really just ask that? How stupid.
Really, when was the last time you heard on the news about an earthquake in MD? Maybe 2007? Of course it's news, it's not a frequent occurance and if there is one it's not typically in the 3's.
is like is not a news that the president Obama Is eating in a local restaurant, for Californians may be a news not for dc
because it doesnt happen here. get a grip
because we aren't californians. when I felt it this morning, my first thought was what if it was a terrorist attack. that's what living in this area means – sorry if it offended you.
Because it is the strongest earthquake to hit the DC metro area since the USGS started monitoring the region in 1974, and among the strongest ever recorded in Virginia.
If it is not news to you WHY are you taking the time and effort to ask about it ?
Is that a serious question? I mean, really? An earthquake of this size in the DC area is quite rare. Of course, the reason this is CNN worthy news is because it's the NATION'S CAPITAL. If this had happened in Bumhoe, Idaho, it wouldn't be getting the same coverage.
Might I suggest an introduction to journalism class so as to keep you from having such ridiculous questions?
I may be ignorant about the seismic activity in the Baltimore/DC area, but I didn't think there was a fault near there? Any geologists or anything want to clarify and explain?
Thanks
3.6 is news even in California. Just not headlined because of folks interest.
Wow. Moron spotting at 6:41AM EST.
Jeannette is no fun.
It's not for you my dear Jeanette.
Go smoke some more crack...
because Md isn't used to anything like that!