UPDATE: A minor earthquake rattled residents across New York City and New Jersey late Saturday night, leaving many confused and startled. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reports that a magnitude 3.0 earthquake struck at 10:18 p.m., with its epicenter located in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, just north of Newark.
The quake occurred 6 miles below ground and was felt approximately 13 miles from Midtown Manhattan. Tremors were reported throughout all five boroughs of New York City, prompting the city’s Emergency Management to issue a statement via social media platform X.
“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. NYC Emergency Management is monitoring for impacts and coordinating with agency partners,” the agency stated. Officials emphasized that while no immediate action is required, residents should be vigilant for potential aftershocks that may occur minutes, hours, or even days later.
As of this report, there have been no injuries or significant damage reported in either state, though the unusual nature of this earthquake has left many residents surprised. “I thought my downstairs neighbor was banging something around lol, didn’t even think earthquake,” remarked one user on social media, highlighting the confusion among New Yorkers. Another resident initially attributed the shaking to a passing truck.
However, not everyone dismissed the event. Harlem resident Bradford Billingsley recounted, “We felt a sudden jolt and looked at each other and said, ‘was that an earthquake?’”
Despite the minor severity, this earthquake is a reminder of the region’s geological unpredictability. Last year, a stronger 4.8 magnitude quake was felt across the city, striking near Lebanon, New Jersey.
Mayor Eric Adams shared the Emergency Management’s initial post but did not provide further comment on the event. This quake follows an alarming incident earlier in the week, where an 8.8 magnitude earthquake off the eastern coast of Russia triggered tsunami warnings across several regions, including California, Alaska, Hawaii, Japan, and Canada.
As authorities continue to monitor the situation, residents are urged to stay cautious and check for any hazards, including shifted items or cracks in their homes. For ongoing updates, stay tuned to local news channels and official announcements from emergency services.
This developing story underscores the importance of earthquake preparedness, even in regions not typically associated with seismic activity. Keep your emergency kits ready, as experts remind us that tremors can strike unexpectedly.