"That's when the house started shaking violently, like it was grabbed by both sides, " said Grounds, a judge for Madison County's juvenile court.

NPR: Severe Storms Sock Midwest, Push East; 2 Dead

At the Taipei office of The Wall Street Journal, the quake was felt for at least 15 seconds, shaking the ceiling violently enough that it squeaked.

WSJ: Earthquake Hits Central Taiwan