A 4.0 magnitude aftershock hit New Jersey following a 4.8 earthquake that shook the Northeast.
Earthquakes are unpredictable, but residents of the New Jersey region should be prepared for more seismic activity in the aftermath of the magnitude 4.8 earthquake that occurred on Friday morning. This earthquake is one of the largest to hit the state in over a century.
According to experts from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), there is an approximately 80% chance of an aftershock with a magnitude of 3.0 or higher occurring in our region within the next week. Additionally, there is a nearly 15% chance of an aftershock with a magnitude of 4.0 or stronger.
This means that New Jersey and nearby states may experience more shaking, rattling windows, and strong vibrations similar to what was felt on Friday morning.
“Aftershocks are smaller magnitude earthquakes that follow the mainshock,” explained a spokesperson for the USGS. “The magnitude 4.8 earthquake on Friday morning is considered the mainshock, while the magnitude 4.0 and subsequent quakes are referred to as aftershocks.”
“If a larger earthquake were to occur after the mainshock, then that new quake becomes the mainshock, and the earlier quakes become foreshocks,” the spokesperson added. “Following the new mainshock, subsequent smaller quakes are considered aftershocks.”
Between late Friday morning and Friday evening, nearly a dozen aftershocks ranging from magnitude 1.8 to magnitude 4.0 were recorded in New Jersey. Although these aftershocks were centered in Hunterdon, Morris, and Somerset counties, they caused shaking in many states, reaching hundreds of miles away.
The 4.0 aftershock, which occurred shortly before 6 p.m. on Friday, was felt as far north as Connecticut and Massachusetts, as far south as Maryland, and as far east as eastern Long Island, New York, according to reports submitted to the USGS.
“We cannot predict earthquakes, but they will continue to occur,” said Allan Rubin, a professor and seismologist at Princeton University. In an interview with News 12 New Jersey, he added, “Undoubtedly, there will be another earthquake of this size in the future, but we do not know when it will happen, whether it’s in 100 years, 50 years, or tomorrow.”
Rubin emphasized that Friday’s initial quake was significant, especially for the New Jersey region. “This was a big surprise to me,” he said. “Having spent time in California, I would say this is the strongest ground shaking I’ve experienced in any earthquake.”
What services were impacted?
Numerous airports, including Newark, JFK, and Baltimore/Washington, halted ground operations to assess potential damage following an earthquake. New Jersey Transit experienced delays of up to 20 minutes due to bridge inspections, but Amtrak and the New York City subway system remained unaffected.
What US officials are saying about Earthquake
The White House confirmed that President Biden was briefed on the earthquake and is in contact with officials.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams stated that there are no reports of damage yet but assessments are ongoing. He advised residents to remain vigilant for potential aftershocks and issued emergency alerts.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul is assessing critical infrastructure for damage and has been in touch with federal authorities.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy activated emergency operations but urged residents to reserve 911 for genuine emergencies.
President Biden, en route to meet with first responders and bridge collapse victims in Baltimore, spoke with Governor Murphy, who assured him that everything is under control in New Jersey.
How common are earthquakes in the Northeast?
Earthquakes in the Northeastern United States are less common compared to regions along major fault lines like California. However, they do occur occasionally. The Northeast sits on the North American Plate, which is generally more stable than areas along tectonic plate boundaries. When earthquakes do happen in the Northeast, they tend to be smaller in magnitude but can still cause noticeable shaking and minor damage, especially in older infrastructure not built to withstand seismic activity.