New York City Earthquake Shakes Tri-State Area
A Major Earthquake Hits New York City
Impact Felt in Tri-State Area
A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 4.8 struck Reddington Township, New Jersey, 40 miles west of New York City, Friday morning. The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the earthquake hit at approximately 10:23 a.m. The impact of the earthquake was felt across the Tri-State Area, including major cities such as Philadelphia and Baltimore, and as far as Syracuse and Washington, D.C. Reports of buildings shaking and rattling came in from New Jersey to Long Island at the time of impact.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul Addresses the Earthquake
New York Governor Kathy Hochul described the earthquake as one of the largest to occur on the East Coast in the last century. She emphasized the seriousness of the situation and the possibility of aftershocks. Hochul has collaborated with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy to assess the damage caused by the earthquake.
New York City Officials Respond
New York City Mayor Eric Adams advised New Yorkers to go about their normal day, given that first responders were working to ensure the city’s safety. While concerns about aftershocks exist, Mayor Adams assured the public that there were no major impacts reported across the city. New York City public schools were instructed to continue with their operations and regular dismissal.
Airport and Transit Services Affected
The earthquake resulted in temporary ground stops at John F. Kennedy and Newark Liberty airports. Runway and infrastructure inspections were conducted to ensure the safety of operations. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) inspected all New York City-area bridges, tunnels, and subways, and confirmed no damage to their infrastructure. Amtrak and MTA services continue to operate on their regular schedules.
Previous Earthquakes in New York City
The recent earthquake is not the first to impact the East Coast and New York City. In 1884, a 5.0 magnitude earthquake occurred in New York City. The region is also characterized by several smaller fault lines under Manhattan island and the major Ramapo Fault in New Jersey. While earthquakes of this magnitude are infrequent, they highlight the potential risk of seismic activity in the area.
