The 5.8 earthquake that hit Virginia did not go unnoticed in New Haven, where we’re hearing buildings swayed for about three seconds.

Update: 2:07 p.m.

Yikes. Just upgraded to 5.9 magnitude.

Update: 6:37 p.m.

Yale and New Haven have both responded with emergency alerts. Mayor John DeStefano announced the city would open an Emergency Operations Center to address earthquake-related structural and utility issues, while the University sent out e-mail alerts and called students’ cell phones about half an hour after the quake hit. Read Yale’s e-mail below:

This is a Yale Alert message, today is August 23, 2011 at 2:15. An earthquake in Virginia has been felt in New Haven. Several building were evacuated as a precaution. Information will be updated at www.yale.edu/secretary/emergency as it becomes available.