A rare and unexpected earthquake with a magnitude of 4.8 struck near New York City and New Jersey early Friday morning, sending shockwaves through the region and startling residents.
The tremor, which occurred at approximately 10:23 a.m. local time, was centered near Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). While earthquakes on the East Coast are uncommon, this event was felt across multiple states, including New York, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania.
Residents React to the Shaking
Many locals took to social media to share their surprise, with some mistaking the quake for construction work or a passing truck. Buildings swayed, and office workers in Manhattan reported feeling their desks shake.
"I thought a bomb went off," said one Brooklyn resident, while another in Newark described feeling "a sudden jolt followed by a rolling sensation."
No Major Damage Reported
Authorities confirmed that no significant structural damage or injuries had been reported, though emergency services conducted precautionary checks on infrastructure, including bridges and tunnels.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey stated that all transit systems were operating normally after initial inspections.
Why Was the Earthquake So Widely Felt?
Unlike the West Coast, where earthquakes are more frequent, the East Coast’s older, denser rock formations allow seismic waves to travel farther. This explains why even a moderate quake can be felt across a broad area.
While aftershocks remain possible, experts say the likelihood of a stronger follow-up tremor is low.
This event serves as a reminder that while rare, earthquakes can and do occur on the East Coast—leaving many to wonder if they should be better prepared for the next one.
