In a highly unusual occurrence, the East Coast of the United States experienced a minor earthquake with a magnitude of at least 4.8 that struck near Lebanon, New Jersey. The quake was felt in surrounding areas, including New York City and Philadelphia, and an estimate suggests that more than 42 million people in 14 states may have felt the shaking. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy activated the State Emergency Operations Center and advised residents not to call 911 unless it was a true emergency. Following the initial earthquake, several aftershocks were recorded in various locations, including a 4.0 magnitude tremor near Gladstone, New Jersey. The USGS has reported a total of 11 aftershocks since the original quake.
The aftershocks were felt by residents in New Jersey, New York City, and Connecticut, prompting Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and New York Governor Kathy Hochul to issue statements assuring the public that the situation was being monitored closely. Governor Hochul described the earthquake as one of the largest to occur on the East Coast in a century and directed her emergency management team to conduct damage assessments. People in Manhattan and neighboring areas reported feeling the shaking, and tremors were even felt in states as far north as Vermont and New Hampshire. Residents shared their experiences on social media, with some describing a loud sound that resembled an explosion, while others felt strong vibrations and observed objects moving in their homes.
Despite the unusual occurrence, reports of damage were minimal, with the Fire Department of New York noting no initial reports of significant issues. Flights at Newark and John F. Kennedy International airports were temporarily halted but have since resumed, and the Holland Tunnel connecting New York and New Jersey was briefly closed for inspection. Amtrak confirmed no infrastructure issues on its movable bridges in the New York Division, and New York City Mayor Eric Adams encouraged residents to check on their loved ones and to take safety precautions in the event of an aftershock. New Yorkers were advised to resume their daily activities, with school operations and after-school programs continuing as planned.
The earthquake along the Ramapo Fault line was considered historic, as it was the strongest to hit New Jersey in 240 years and the strongest in New York City in 139 years. Earthquakes are relatively rare on the East Coast due to geological factors, with the region situated in the middle of a tectonic plate compared to the West Coast, which sits on a tectonic boundary and experiences more frequent seismic activity. Although earthquakes are uncommon in the East Coast region, experts emphasize the importance of being prepared for natural disasters and following safety protocols in the event of an earthquake. Despite the rarity of such events, individuals and businesses are urged to stay vigilant and ready for any potential seismic activity.