Strongest Earthquake Since 1987 Rattles Lafayette

It was a morning I will never forget. It was the first earthquake I have ever felt. We had a weak one here in the Lafayette area back in 2002, but this was our biggest shake due to an earthquake since 1987 here in Lafayette and for portions of our state farther south near Vincennes it was the strongest earthquake since 1968.

Where was I? It was just before 5:40 a.m. and I was sleeping with my wife and then boom, we both woke up to what sounded like a hurricane force gust of wind hitting the house, only it had a sensation I have never heard or felt. Our house was literally shaking and I knew there were no storms and I did not forecast any high winds. So I ran to the window, by time I got to the window the shaking had stopped. I immediately ran downstairs and outside to barking dogs and then I shouted it was an earthquake! I then went in immediately to the US Geological Survey web-site and it was confirmed within 10 minutes. I had goosebumps for at least 30 minutes afterwards while I was relaying this information to WLFI and my family. My daughter said the small TV in her room actually moved. Everybody in our house except Abbey heard it. This earthquake was felt as far north as southern Canada and as far south as Florida. No major injuries or damages have been reported. In Louisville there are reports of damage to a building facade.

This was officially a moderate earthquake was a magnitude of 5.2 on the Richter scale. It was centered near West Salem, Illinois which is located in the Wabash Valley Seismic zone. It is about 180 miles from West Lafayette.This is the norhward extension of the New Madrid Fault line. This type of thing only happens once every 20 years on average in our part of the state. There have been 8 aftershocks reported since the original earthquake hit at 5:36 a.m. The good news is that usually aftershocks are much weaker and we have not felt any of these here in Lafayette. Aftershocks can last 2 to 3 days after the main event. If we have anything stronger than an aftershock over the next couple of days here are some earthquake safety tips:

Get under a heavy piece of furniture or sturdy door frame.
If outside stay away from trees, buildings, and powerlines.

Remember you can relax now. The worst should be over! Have some doughnuts and coffee and talk about it with your friends.

I already called Mom and Dad in Jacksonville, Florida and they are glad everybody is safe and sound here in Indiana. When my Mom lived in Japan she told me that it happened there all the time. It can be frightening for those that are not used to it.

Earthquake Facts of the Day: Kind of eerie...Today is the 102 Year Anniversary of the Great San Francisco Earthquake back in 1906....

April 18,1906 a devastating earthquake hit San Francisco at just after 5 a.m. The good news for us today here at home is that no significant damage or injuries have been reported. You usually do not have any significant damage with earthquakes under a magnitude of 6.0. But over that number, damage is likely and exponentially rises in a hurry. Take care and stay safe. Please send in some of your stories. Now I better get my day going. I am still in awe of the whole thing.