Elliott County experiences early morning earthquake on same day of solar eclipse

Less than 12 hours before Monday’s solar eclipse, Elliott County was the site of another rare occurrence. Jim Skaggs is Elliott’s Emergency Management director.

“We were notified that there was a light 2.3 earthquake about 3.7 miles west northwest of Sandy Hook. And actually, I think it happened while most people were sleeping.”

Skaggs said the quake happened around 4 a.m. He said they’re still cleaning up after last week’s storms, when straight line winds knocked trees across roads and damaged garages and other outbuildings. He said there are no reports of damage from the quake.

“It's really interesting -- the timing, for sure, but I know previously, I think in New Jersey, they had one last week. And to this being on the same day, the eclipse. Now, I have to say it's very intriguing.”

On Friday, a larger, 4.8 magnitude earthquake hit near Tewksbury, New Jersey.

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