Magnitude 4.8 Earthquake Rattles Northeast, Epicenter in New Jersey
A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck near Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, on Friday morning at 10:23 a.m., sending shockwaves across the densely populated Northeast region. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the quake’s epicenter was located approximately 45 miles west of New York City and 50 miles north of Philadelphia. The shallow earthquake, which occurred at a depth of 2.9 miles, was felt by an estimated 42 million people from Baltimore to the Massachusetts-New Hampshire border.
Widespread Shaking Reported, No Major Damage or Injuries
While the earthquake caused widespread shaking and rattled nerves, there were no immediate reports of serious damage or injuries. Officials are currently inspecting critical infrastructure, such as bridges and buildings, as a precautionary measure. New York Governor Kathy Hochul and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy have both confirmed that the earthquake was felt across their respective states.
Local authorities, including the New York City Mayor’s office, have stated that there are no indications of major life safety or infrastructure issues at this time. However, the quake did cause temporary disruptions to transportation services, with Amtrak slowing trains along the Northeast Corridor and the Philadelphia-area PATCO commuter rail line suspending service briefly.
Ground stops were also issued at Newark Liberty International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport to allow for runway inspections. These measures were taken to ensure the safety of passengers and to assess any potential damage caused by the earthquake.
Residents Recount Experiences During the Quake
Residents across the affected area reported shaking buildings, rattling dishware, and general confusion as the unexpected tremors caught many off guard. Some initially mistook the shaking for passing trucks or subway trains before realizing it was an earthquake.
In Astoria, New York, Cassondra Kurtz was giving her Chihuahua a massage when her apartment started shaking hard enough that a large mirror banged against the wall. Attorney Finn Dusenbery, who was in a midtown Manhattan law office, feared that the ceiling might collapse and wanted to evacuate the building.
At a coffee shop in lower Manhattan, customers buzzed over the unexpected earthquake, which rattled dishware and shook the concrete counter. India Hays, a barista, noticed the door trembling on its frame and couldn’t believe there was an earthquake in the area.
Earthquakes Uncommon but Not Unprecedented in the Northeast
Earthquakes of this magnitude are relatively uncommon on the East Coast, as the region does not lie on a boundary of tectonic plates. However, when quakes do occur, the region’s older, harder rocks can spread the seismic energy across greater distances compared to the West Coast.
The last significant earthquake to strike the East Coast was a magnitude 5.8 temblor centered in Virginia in 2011, which was felt from Georgia to Canada. While Friday’s quake was not as powerful, it serves as a reminder that the Northeast is not immune to seismic activity.
Historically, earthquakes with magnitudes near or above 5 have struck near New York City in 1737, 1783, and 1884, according to the USGS. Although these events are infrequent, they underscore the importance of earthquake preparedness and awareness, even in regions not typically associated with high seismic activity.
Authorities Assess Situation, Advise Residents to Stay Calm
