UPDATED: Earthquake Hits New Jersey; South Brunswick Shakes

Shortly before 2 p.m. an earthquake was felt throughout a large portion of New Jersey and the Tri-State area. Thus far the tremor was reportedly felt in parts of Middlesex, Monmouth, Gloucester and Mercer Counties in New Jersey. Initial reports indicate the earthquake registered 5.8 on the Richter scale and was centered near Richmond, Virginia. 

"That was certainly a surpise, I was in the municipal building talking in the office when the table started shaking," said Mayor Frank Gambatese. "It's amazing that an earthquake can happen hundreds of miles away and still have that kind of affect."

South Brunswick Police said no injuries or damage has been reported as of 2 p.m.

"Everything in town is in good shape so far, we're still getting emails from people all over the township," Gambatese said. "The police department and our other people are on the run making sure everything is okay, but so far, thank god, nobody was hurt. Hopefully we don't get any aftershocks."

In South Brunswick, shortly after the tremor began, structures could be felt shaking noticeably and the sound of car alarms could be heard going off. Dayton Square resident Kate Battle reported the shaking began at 1:55 p.m. and knocked items off of her bed.

Shaking was reported as far north as New York, with reports of tremors also coming in from the New England area.

Multiple Emergency Management agencies activated their command posts, as authorities reported 911 call centers were flooded with calls.

Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police and Director of the State OEM said there are very few reports of damage to any infrastructure in the state and that roadways, bridges and tunnels all seem to be intact. 

Deptford Township in Gloucester County reported a gas leak on one street and added that there were several residential evacuations at that location. There were no reports of any injuries. 

Fuentes said the seismic activity triggered an "Unusual Event" at Hope Creek and Salem Nuclear plants, but there were no reports of any damage at either facility.

Mobile phone service was also unavailable for many users, but preliminary indications were that the disruption was caused by an extremely high call volume generated by users.

"Although aftershocks cannot be ruled out, the distance from the epicenter would indicate that there is not a great concern for New Jersey residents," Fuentes said via release.

New Jersey Transit is operating and cross-honoring train, bus and light rail tickets, according to Gov. Chris Christie’s office.

Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) is reporting that there have been no operational or safety issues as a result of the earthquake, but they have dispatched employees to assess any potential damage to facilities. PSE&G is checking electric transmission lines and switching stations, natural gas facilities, gas transmission lines and mains. There are no customer outages being reported at this time.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, New Jersey ranks low on the list of states at risk for experiencing an earthquake. The largest reported quake in New Jersey history occurred in 1783 with a 5.3 magnitude, according to the USGS.

Earthquake hazards are measured as the likelihood of experiencing earthquake shaking of various intensities, according to FEMA. Northern New Jersey is put in a category that's low on the list and described as "having a hazard shaking of moderate intensity," which could be felt by all and could lead to slight damage.

Southern New Jersey is put in a category described as having "a small probability of experiencing damaging earth­quake effects."

Aftershocks were possible over the next few hours, a U.S. Geological Survey seismologist told CNN.com.

The USGS is asking those who felt the earthquake to fill out an online survey to assist their information gathering.

Guidelines from FEMA on dealing with earthquakes:

What to Do After an Earthquake

• Expect aftershocks. These secondary shockwaves are usually less violent than the main quake but can be strong enough to do additional damage to weakened structures and can occur in the first hours, days, weeks, or even months after the quake.
• Listen to a battery-operated radio or television. Listen for the latest emergency information. 
• Open cabinets cautiously. Beware of objects that can fall off shelves.
• Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline or other flammable liquids immediately. Leave the area if you smell gas or fumes from other chemicals.
• Inspect utilities.

For more information go to - http://www.fema.gov/hazard/earthquake/index.shtm

Anyone in need of assistance should contact police or the South Brunswick Office of Emergency Management:

http://www.sbtnj.net/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC=%7B893F92E6-0274-4E3D-8914-55D9F7634DB6%7D

This story will be updated as information becomes available.

Comments: Where were you when the quake struck? Is there any damage in your area?