The focal point was fixed at a shallow depth of 5 km below the surface. The quake was centered south of Lake Erie and in a relatively low population area. The quake was widely felt in the north-central United States, including Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia, as well as in much of southern Ontario and in part of Quebec, Canada. It was also felt in parts of Kentucky and Indiana.
Preliminary reports indicate there was no structural damage or injuries.
Light objects were tossed from tables and shelves in the epicenter area and tall buildings swayed throughout the affected area. Some people heard a large roar while others further from the epicenter hear a low rumble. Pennsylvania activated the State's emergency Operations Center in order to coordinate a local response program. Operators of the nuclear power plants along the coast of Lake Erie reported the quake was not large enough to set off alarms at the facilities and no damage had occurred. There are unconfirmed reports of cracked walls and broken windows in the epicentral.