A magnitude 5.9 earthquake in Virginia was felt up and down the East Coast with preliminary reports of it being felt as far away as Boston. The event was between Richmond and Charlottesville, about 83 miles SW of Washington DC.
It occurred at 1:51 pm local time (EDT).
Intensity is reported as 'strong' in the epicentral area.
This is going to get a lot of attention because of the nation's news media and government centers all feeling it. [right, maps from USGS]