Earthquakes

Earthquakes in Virginia usually start far from Norfolk, but their effects can still be felt here. In fact, the city has experienced shaking before. That’s why it’s important to know what to do if one happens.

What to do During an earthquake

Minimize your movements to a few steps to a nearby safe place and if you are indoors, stay there until the shaking has stopped and you are sure exiting is safe.

  • Drop Cover Hold On Earthquake TipsIf Indoors:
    • Drop to the ground
    • Take cover by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture
    • Hold on until the shaking stops.
  • If outdoors:
    • Stay there. Be alert for any falling debris from a building.
  • If in a moving vehicle:
    • Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle.
  • If trapped under debris:
    • Do not light a match. Do not move about or kick up dust.
  • DO NOT: 
    • Try to run outdoors. Running in an earthquake is dangerous as the ground is moving and it can be hard to move. Additionally, falling glass, bricks, or other building components can be dangerous. You are much safer to stay indoors and get under a table or other sturdy furniture.

Aftershocks are also common after a large, major earthquake. These are typically weaker, but can still create shaking. While uncommon, it is also possible for an earthquake to actually be a foreshock to a larger quake. USGS says this probability is around 5%.

What to do After an Earthquake

  • Expect aftershocks.
  • Listen for the latest emergency information.
  • Use the telephone only for emergency calls
  • Open cabinets cautiously.
  • Stay away from damaged areas
  • Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
  • Stay away from the beach.
  • Help injured or trapped persons.
  • Remember to help your neighbors
  • You can obtain safe water by melting ice cubes.
  • Inspect utilities.
    • Check for gas leaks.
    • Look for electrical system damage.
    • Check for sewage and water lines damage.

Earthquakes in Virginia

The James River follows the Central Virginia Seismic Zone between Charlottesville and Richmond and the New River follows the Giles County Seismic Zone from Radford to the West Virginia border.

Virginia is pretty stable, but just about any place in the state can experience an earthquake. Manassas was surprised by a 2.5 magnitude tremor in 1997, and an equivalent earthquake was felt in Culpeper two months earlier. Near the southern edge of the Culpeper Triassic basin, a magnitude 3.2 earthquake rattled Charlottesville in 2001.

The image below from USGS shows the hotspots for earthquake risk across the United States. You will notice there is a zone of higher risk across central VA. In 2011, Virginia had a 5.8 magnitude earthquake occur in this zone, with the epicenter located in Louisa County, VA. With an earthquake of this magnitude, the tremors were felt across more than a dozen states, across the City of Norfolk, and in several Canadian provinces.

USGS Long Term Earthquake Risk Map