Minor Earthquake Strikes NYC and NJ, Residents Report Tremors
UPDATE: A minor earthquake rattled residents in New York City and New Jersey late Saturday night, causing buildings to shake and prompting social media reactions. The United States Geological Survey reports that a magnitude 3.0 quake struck at 10:18 p.m. with its epicenter located in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, just north of Newark.
The quake occurred at a depth of six miles and was felt approximately 13 miles from Midtown Manhattan. Tremors were reported across all five boroughs of New York City, with many residents expressing confusion and surprise on social media platforms.
New York City Emergency Management confirmed the earthquake in a post on X, stating, “A magnitude 3.0 earthquake is reported to have occurred in or near New Jersey. Tremors may have been felt in parts of New York City.” The agency is actively monitoring the situation and coordinating with local partners.
The agency further advised residents to be vigilant for possible aftershocks, which could occur minutes, hours, or even days after the initial quake. “No immediate protective action is needed unless you experienced damage,” they stated. Residents were encouraged to check for hazards like shifted items or cracks in their homes.
As of now, there have been no reports of injuries or significant damage in either state. Although a magnitude 3.0 earthquake is considered minor, such events are relatively uncommon in the region. Last year, a stronger 4.8 magnitude quake was felt by New Yorkers, with its epicenter near Lebanon, New Jersey.
Many residents took to social media to share their experiences. One user mentioned thinking their downstairs neighbor was making noise, while another speculated that a truck was passing by. However, Harlem resident Bradford Billingsley reported feeling a noticeable jolt. “We both felt a sudden jolt and looked at each other and said, ‘was that an earthquake?’” he recounted.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams shared the Emergency Management post but did not provide additional comments regarding the quake. Earlier in the week, a significant 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the eastern coast of Russia, triggering tsunami warnings across multiple regions, including California, Alaska, Hawaii, Japan, Canada, and Russia.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed and prepared as officials continue to monitor the situation closely.
