2.4 magnitude earthquake shakes Central Virginia

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A 2.4 magnitude earthquake shook things up in Central Virginia on Friday.

According to a preliminary report from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake on Friday, March 20, originated about 7 miles north of Woodlake. The agency also recorded its impact in parts of Chester, Richmond, Meadowbrook and Brandermill.

The USGS received 15 reports of seismic activity from residents during the earthquake, with 11 in Chesterfield County. Other reports came from Midlothian and Richmond. Most reports came in within the first 15 minutes.

(U.S. Geological Survey)

StomTracker8 chief meteorologist Matt Dinardo said the earthquake rattled Central Virginia around 5:52 p.m. 8News also received several reports from viewers in the Greater Richmond region -- including in Chesterfield and Henrico counties -- who all said they felt this quake on Friday.

Additionally, we know the event registered on both the Blacksburg and Fredericksburg seismographs. DiNardo said that, based on seismographic data available on Friday, the earthquake appeared relatively minor.

8News has also received calls from viewers who heard a loud noise in addition to the shaking. According to DiNardo, this is connected to the earthquake. Seismic events can sometimes make a loud rumble or a "boom" noise.

The USGS said that minor earthquakes like these are not rare in Central Virginia. They cause little to no damage every one or two years.