Small earthquake shakes central Virginia

AMHERST, Va. (AP) — Virginia Tech’s Seismological Observatory says a small earthquake that struck central Virginia prompted numerous reports of weak to light shaking but it didn’t cause any damage.

The observatory and the U.S. Geological Survey say the 2.7-magnitude quake occurred at 5:24 p.m. Wednesday. The epicenter was about 10 miles east of Amherst.

Amherst County Public Safety Director Gary Roakes says some residents reported pictures falling from walls and there was one report of a roof gutter falling.

Some residents in Nelson County also reported shaking.

Seismological Observatory Director Martin Chapman says earthquakes of this size are routine in Virginia.