What's Shaking in Ocean City? Not an Earthquake, Officials Say

Did an earthquake cause a “boom” in the resort town of Ocean City Thursday?

The U.S. Geological Survey shows no report of an earthquake on Maryland's Eastern Shore, says the Associated Press. But, reports of the tremors started coming to Ocean City officials and the Maryland Emergency Management Agency about noon Thursday.

The city’s website said Thursday afternoon: “We are receiving multiple reports regarding a loud boom and/or “shaking” in the Ocean City area. We have been in contact with state and local officials, as well as our partnering geological agencies. At this time we have no confirmation of an earthquake, but will update residents and visitors if that information changes.”

Bob Conkwright, a geologist with the Maryland Geological Survey, says the agency's seismograph near Reisterstown picked up a signal just before noon Thursday. But he says it was not clear what caused it, according to ABC.

Maryland's Natural Resources Police weighed in via Twitter: "Seismologists reviewed data from 3 stations (Reisterstown, the Eastern Shore and Lewes, DE). Data NOT consistent with an earthquake.

No damage has been reported in the incident, a relief to vacationers already planning where to go when the area’s beach season kicks off in May.