Did You Feel The Earth Move Under Your Feet?

Starbucks on Belcrest Road and East West Highway was packed Tuesday afternoon with folks seeking shelter from the heat, but not wanting to go back to the buildings they evacuated.

One woman, who works at the large, white federal buildings at University Town Center, said ceiling tiles fell down when a 5.9 magnitude earthquake hit earlier. She was shaken up and left without even her purse.

sent out this Safe City alert:

“Just before 2 p.m., there was a 5.8 earthquake centered in southwestern Virginia. Significant tremors were felt throughout the city and numerous buildings have been temporarily evacuated. The police department has received no reports of significant damage or injuries related to this incident. The police department communications center remains fully operational and police officers are surveying the city for any possible issues. We can be reached at 301-985-5050 (emergency) or 301-985-5060 (non-emergency).

WMATA reported:

As a result of a 5.8 magnitude earthquake in the Washington, D.C. area:

• As of 1:59 p.m., all trains are operating at 15 mph.
• Metro personnel are conducting track inspections of the entire rail system.
• There are no reported customer injuries at this time.

Customers should expect significant delays on Metrorail until further notice due to the reduced operating speed.