Western-Star.com

An earthquake centered in Illinois was felt as far away as Warren County today, April 18, but no damage or injuries have been reported.

Frank Young, director of the Warren County Department of Emergency Services, said the 911 center received several calls from residents wondering if there had been an earthquake, but no ill effects were reported.

While the quake of a 5.2 magnitude struck Illinois at 5:36 a.m. Friday, April 18, Warren County dispatchers couldn't feel any shaking because of the way their building is constructed.

However, Young, who lives in Maineville, said it startled him right out of bed.

"My house shook really well," said Young, who felt the shaking for about 15 to 20 seconds. He said the strangest part about the quake was way the birds reacted, flying and chirping incessantly.

"It was eerie," he said, likening it to Alfred Hitchcock's movie, "The Birds."

The County Highway Department also reported no incidents, and a representative for Kings Island said the rides had been inspected as usual and the park will open at 10 a.m. Sunday, April 20, as scheduled.

Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4507 or rycook@coxohio.com.

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