Small earthquake hits near Chicago overnight

The U.S. Geological Survey reports that the 4.3-magnitude earthquake hit near Virgil, about 50 miles northwest of Chicago, at 4 a.m. Wednesday.

By: Associated Press | Alabama's13.com
Published: February 10, 2010

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CHICAGO (AP) — A small earthquake has hit northern Illinois, waking up scores of residents before dawn but causing no major damage.

The U.S. Geological Survey reports that the 4.3-magnitude earthquake hit near Virgil, about 50 miles northwest of Chicago, at 4 a.m. Wednesday.

Kane County sheriff's spokesman Lt. Pat Gengler says dispatchers have been flooded with calls from startled residents, though no injuries or damage have been reported.

Gengler says several residential and business alarms were triggered, but deputies haven't been called for assistance. He says earthquakes in the area rare.

Residents reported being shaken out of bed and finding books and tools scattered across the floor after falling from shelves.