A Bit of the Unexpected

Journalism, Science/Nature | Comments (1)

I’m writing this at 2 in the morning to explain that a quake has hit the UK. Though I must say in my tired state that it did indeed scare the shit out of me.

The Beeb are reporting that the tremor could be felt over 6 counties and measured 4.7 on the richter scale. To an American, that wouldn’t be exciting as their average earthquake devastates everything in a 300 mile radius, but for us this is big news since this is the biggest quake of its kind in over a decade, though there was a quake measuring 5.0 on the richter scale 6 years ago.

From what I experienced, I first thought it was wind as the wind is 20-30mph outside according to Yahoo Weather, but then everything in the house started shaking. That part scared me a little, but it lasted 10 seconds max. That in Britain is a big fuckin’ quake. Then everyone started messaging me asking if I felt it or not. The answer was most definitely yes.

Edit:
So after posting this blog, the BBC News article has been updated multiple times with updates and peoples’ opinions. They now believe the magnitude of the earthquake is 5.1, which is a lot stronger than originally thought, and that it originated near Grimsby. I’ll just have to find out if any damage has been caused in the morning. No doubt, Look North will quite obviously milk this story as people actually were able to feel it in Yorkshire.

Stephen Swires @ February 26, 2008