4.8 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes New York City Area

An earthquake rattled the densely populated New York City metropolitan area on Friday morning, according to the US Geological Survey, prompting widespread reports of tremors across the eastern seaboard, a phenomenon relatively uncommon for the region.

The preliminary data from the government agency indicated an earthquake measuring approximately 4.8 in magnitude, with initial reports placing the epicenter near Lebanon, New Jersey, later shifting to areas near Tewksbury and Whitehouse Station, all within a 10-mile radius in Hunterdon County.

Residents in Connecticut and Massachusetts reported feeling the earthquake, with Boston experiencing noticeable tremors, and inhabitants of Philadelphia also reporting its effects. The reverberations extended over 200 miles to the New Hampshire border, lasting several seconds.

Despite the earthquake, New York City’s fire department stated there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. However, city residents found themselves surprised and slightly shaken by the unexpected occurrence, sensing mild building vibrations lasting several seconds while at work or home in high-rises.

One eyewitness, Camille Lewis, shared her experience from a cafe in New York City, expressing relief that no harm ensued. “I haven’t been in an earthquake in New York, and honestly, I was scared that something was happening. I’m glad that the building I was in held up, and honestly, I’m just glad that everybody is safe,” she recounted.

Lewis continued, describing the uncertainty and duration of the event, which left many feeling uneasy about potential aftershocks and prompting a surge in cellphone network usage as people checked on loved ones, including schoolchildren.

While no significant impacts were reported immediately, Kaz Daughtry, deputy commissioner of operations for the New York Police Department, emphasized ongoing assessments of the situation. Meanwhile, the UN Security Council meeting at its New York headquarters felt the building shake as the earthquake struck.

Mayor Eric Adams advised New Yorkers to resume normal activities, while Governor Kathy Hochul characterized the earthquake as one of the largest on the east coast in the last century, urging continued vigilance due to potential aftershocks.

The earthquake led to temporary disruptions in air travel, with planes grounded at JFK and Newark International Airports, resulting in delays for incoming flights. Train services along the East Coast experienced slowdowns but remained operational, while New York City’s public transit continued to run as usual.