Community Corner

Earthquake Slightly Shakes the Lehigh Valley

The U.S. Geological Survey reports that a preliminary magnitude 5.9 earthquake was felt across much of the Mid-Atlantic region at 1:51 this afternoon.

UPDATE - 3:40pm: Several of Hellertown Patch's friends on Facebook reported feeling the earthquake in Hellertown, at locations including  and Saucon Valley Manor. Thus far we have not received any reports of damage in the local area. If you hear of any, please post a comment below, or tell us about you experience on Facebook.

No, you didn't imagine it.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported that a preliminary magnitude 5.9 earthquake was felt across much of the Mid-Atlantic region today.

Find out what's happening in Hellertown-Lower Sauconwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

At 1:51 this afternoon an earthquake rumbled under Richmond, Virgina, or 87 miles southwest of Washington, D.C. It was felt in Northampton County, too.

The Northampton County Emergency Communications Center reports that they have received "quite a number of calls" from people who felt the temblor.

Find out what's happening in Hellertown-Lower Sauconwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

On Twitter, @Fireman5241 reported that a retaining wall and house were creaking in Nazareth.

"I felt the earthquake, thought it was the mine blast but we felt it for about 45 seconds to a minute in Nazareth," the tweet said.

Meanwhile, in Bethlehem, a Northside resident reported that a glass sculpture fell off a cabinet and a painting was hanging askew following the quake.

Did you feel it in the Saucon Valley?


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