3.0-Magnitude Earthquake Rattles New Jersey and New York City

 A mild earthquake shook parts of northern New Jersey and New York City on Saturday night, surprising residents but causing no reported damage or injuries.

The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed the 3.0-magnitude tremor struck at 10:18 p.m., with its epicenter located in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, close to Teterboro Airport. Although relatively minor in magnitude, the quake was strong enough to be felt across the region, with reports of shaking coming from Brooklyn, Westchester County, and even parts of Connecticut.

New York City’s Emergency Management Department said there were no signs of structural damage or injuries. However, it did advise residents to inspect their homes for any shifted objects, fallen items, or cracks that might have occurred during the shaking.

Bergen County officials, which includes the quake’s epicenter, also confirmed there were no major issues resulting from the event.

Residents across northern New Jersey took to social media and neighborhood chat groups to share their experiences, many describing a sudden, sharp jolt that lasted only a moment. Some initially feared a gas explosion or another type of accident.

Bradford Billingsley, who lives in Harlem, recounted watching TV with friends when his coffee table suddenly rattled. “We both looked at each other and said, ‘Was that an earthquake?’” he recalled.

While earthquakes in the New York-New Jersey area are not rare, most are too small to be noticed. Geologists note that quakes around magnitude 3.0 occur periodically in the region and typically do not cause any real harm.

The last more noticeable seismic event occurred in April 2024, when a 4.8-magnitude earthquake shook buildings and startled residents throughout New York City and beyond. That quake was felt as far away as Philadelphia and Boston.

Saturday’s event, while brief and relatively weak, served as a reminder that even in areas not typically associated with seismic activity, the ground can still move.