A minor earthquake shook areas of New Jersey and New York City late Saturday night, generating a flurry of social media discussions and causing residents to feel momentarily unsettled. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) verified that a 3.0-magnitude quake occurred at 10:18 p.m., with its epicenter situated in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, close to Teterboro Airport.
Although it was minor, the tremor was felt broadly throughout northern New Jersey and reached several boroughs of New York City, including Brooklyn and portions of Manhattan. Residents in Westchester County and even as far away as Connecticut also reported experiencing a sudden, sharp jolt.
New York City’s Emergency Management Department promptly assured the public that there were no reports of injuries or property damage. Officials encouraged residents who experienced the quake to examine their surroundings for any displaced objects, falling debris, or minor structural cracks. “If you felt shaking, check for hazards such as displaced items, falling debris, or cracks,” the department stated in a public alert.
In Bergen County, which includes Hasbrouck Heights, the local sheriff’s office confirmed that no significant incidents or damage had been reported. “Fortunately, this was a minor event, and we’re not observing any considerable impact,” they communicated on social media.
Despite its relatively small size, the earthquake generated a significant response online. Community group chats and social media channels became active as residents recounted their experiences, with many speculating whether the tremors were triggered by something more local, such as a gas explosion or a falling tree.
Bradford Billingsley, a resident of Harlem, remembered sitting in his living room watching television with friends when they experienced the jolt. “The coffee table shook, and we both exchanged glances as if to say, ‘Was that an earthquake?’” he stated. “You don’t anticipate that in the heart of Harlem.”
Although earthquakes in the New York-New Jersey area are not unusual, they are generally of such low magnitude that they often go unnoticed. Geologists indicate that a quake measuring 3.0 on the Richter scale is typical for this region and seldom results in any damage.
“A geologist familiar with the region stated, ‘These types of quakes occur more frequently than people understand. The majority are so minor that they do not even make the news.’”
Saturday’s earthquake highlights the region’s persistent seismic activity, though it is relatively mild. The most recent notable tremor took place in April of the prior year, when a 4.8-magnitude earthquake rattled structures throughout New York City. This incident was strong enough to prompt surprised residents to flee to the streets and was felt from Philadelphia to Boston.
In contrast, Saturday’s earthquake was short-lived and comparatively mild. However, for numerous residents, the abruptness of the tremor triggered an unforeseen moment of anxiety, leading to a swift rush to their phones to verify what had just occurred.
Currently, officials are maintaining their observation of the situation; however, no aftershocks or additional seismic activity have been recorded.
