Strong Earthquakes Hit Central Italy, No Injuries Reported

A spate of strong earthquakes hit central Italy on Wednesday, unnerving residents shaken by last year's deadly tremors and forcing hundreds of schools, rail links and the underground metro in Rome to close.

Three hours after the first quake, no serious damage or injuries had been reported, although some abandoned rural structures weakened by last year's quakes collapsed.

Snow storms that have blanketed parts of the Lazio, Marche and Abruzzi regions made it difficult for local officials to access damage or possible injuries.

Buildings wobbled in Rome and the metro system was shut as a precaution, school children were sent home and museums told visitors to leave.

Residents nearer the epicenter, which was some 62 miles northeast of Rome, rushed out into the streets and fields as the earth kept shaking under their feet. 

The U.S. Geological Survey said the three strongest earthquakes had a magnitude of 5.3, 5.7 and 5.3. They all struck within about an hour.