The 5.8 magnitude quake originated in central Virginia, but it was strong enough to be felt throughout much of the east coast, including New York City and Washington D.C.

Most of the capitol was evacuated including the memorials and monuments, which were later inspected and most were reopened. The Washington Monument however was not reopened due to cracking in the stones at the top of the structure.

The rumble felt at the Pentagon caused an evacuation of the building and burst a water pipe flooding parts of two floors.

In New York City, government buildings and airport towers were evacuated. In lower Manhattan the federal courthouse (which stands 26-stories) started to sway, which sent people running out of the building.

No serious injuries or deaths have been reported.

Baxter and I were talking about this this morning, and he seems to think the quake was caused by the founding fathers rolling over in their graves - upset over the mess and controversy in Washington... and I'm going to agree.