An unusual East Coast earthquake struck nine miles outside Mineral, Va., about 90 miles southwest of Washington, D.C., on Tuesday afternoon, producing a tremor that was felt as far away as New York. According to the United States Geological Survey, the magnitude-5.8 earthquake was the largest to hit Virginia since 1897. The tip of one of the spires at the National Cathedral fell onto the steps of Pilgrim Road. The National Cathedral has been closed until further notice. Police taped off the Washington Monument Tuesday afternoon to inspect for any damage, and the building will be closed until further notice. Fox News reported that the earthquake caused the Washington Monument to tilt slightly, and although that claim was not yet proven, the Washington Monument was closed Tuesday evening indefinitely after cracks were discovered. Aftershocks were still being felt in the capital four hours later, as a magnitude-4.2 aftershock was reported in Arlington and Bethesda, following 2.8 and 2.2 aftershocks earlier.
