A 4.8 magnitude earthquake, centred in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, shook the New York City metropolitan area and beyond on Friday morning. Striking at 10:23 a.m., it was the strongest quake to hit the region in over a century. While no injuries or major structural damage were reported in NYC, tremors were felt across the tri-state area, reaching as far as Maryland and Maine. The shallow depth of only 2.9 miles contributed to its widespread impact, with an estimated 42 million people feeling the tremors.
The epicentre, located approximately 40 miles west of New York City, sent shockwaves through the city’s buildings and streets. Many New Yorkers reported feeling a shaking sensation, with some mistaking it for passing subways or construction. The unexpected event triggered a flurry of phone calls and social media activity as people confirmed the earthquake and checked on loved ones.
Following the initial quake, a 4.0 magnitude aftershock struck the same area of New Jersey just before 6 p.m. While significantly deeper than the first quake, at 5.6 miles, the aftershock further underscored the day’s seismic activity. Experts from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) warned of possible further aftershocks, advising people to “drop, cover, and hold on” if another tremor occurs.
Comparison of the 4.8 magnitude earthquake and its 4.0 aftershock
Despite the initial panic, the city’s infrastructure held up well. New York Governor Kathy Hochul ordered immediate damage assessments of state roads, transmission lines, and dams, but no significant issues were found. New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed no reported damage to buildings, infrastructure, or essential services. JFK and Newark airports briefly grounded flights to inspect runways, resuming operations quickly after no damage was found.
The earthquake disrupted daily life in various ways. A meeting at the United Nations was briefly interrupted, and the New York Philharmonic’s morning performance was punctuated by earthquake alerts on mobile phones. Schools reassured parents that students were safe, and dismissal proceeded as scheduled. The Department of Buildings will continue to monitor for any delayed structural issues.
While rare in the New York City area, this earthquake serves as a reminder of the region’s seismic vulnerability. Historical records indicate stronger past earthquakes, though not recently. The last comparable magnitude earthquake near New York City was in 1884.
The widespread impact extended throughout the Northeast, with shaking reported from Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Connecticut. Even residents near the Massachusetts-New Hampshire border, over 200 miles from the epicentre, felt the tremors.
Though unsettling, the earthquake highlighted the resilience of New York City and surrounding areas. The lack of significant damage and injuries underscores the effectiveness of building codes and emergency preparedness. While aftershocks remain possible, life in the city has largely returned to normal, with officials continuing to monitor the situation.