Franklin Square, New York—A 4.8 magnitude earthquake struck parts of the Northeast on Friday morning, causing buildings to shake from Washington, DC to New York City to Maine, according to the US Geological Survey. This quake, the third largest recorded in the area in the last five decades, and the strongest in New Jersey in over 240 years, surprised residents across the region unaccustomed to seismic activity.
Millions of people across hundreds of miles felt the rare quake, disrupting daily life briefly before things returned to normal. Despite the initial shock, authorities reported little to no damage and minimal travel disruptions, allowing residents to resume their daily routines soon after.
Stunned residents in the Northeast initially mistook the tremors for passing vehicles, such as truck or trains, before realizing the true nature of the shaking. In areas like Franklin Square on Long Island, residents like Jeanne Evola described feeling her entire house shake, prompting her to seek safety outside.
The New York Police Department confirmed no reports of damages or injuries, reassuring New Yorkers to carry on with their normal activities. The earthquake occurred at 10:23 a.m., causing some alarm but little structural impact overall.
Across areas like New Jersey and beyond, officials and residents alike worked to assess any damages following the quake. While some structural issues were reported in buildings, the overall impact was minimal, with focus turning to ensuring residents’ safety and well-being.
In the aftermath of the earthquake, cities like New York and Philadelphia experienced disruptions to air and train travel, with the FAA halting flights briefly for inspections and Amtrak slowing down service for track assessments. Despite these interruptions, service was restored to normal relatively quickly, allowing residents to continue traveling as needed.
The earthquake, although rare for the region, serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for natural disasters, with officials and residents urged to remain vigilant and proactive in the face of unexpected events. As aftershocks continued to be monitored, the community worked together to assess any potential damages and ensure safety for all.