Weak But Widespread: 2.7-Magnitude Earthquake Jolts New Jersey, Felt Across NYC Area

NEW JERSEY — A relatively weak 2.7-magnitude earthquake struck northern New Jersey on Tuesday, causing light shaking that was felt by dozens of people across a surprisingly wide area, including parts of New York and Connecticut. The seismic event, which occurred just after noon, serves as a reminder of the region’s subtle but active seismic landscape.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake’s epicenter was near Hillsdale, New Jersey, approximately 25 miles northwest of Manhattan. Though its magnitude was low, its effects were reported as far as Staten Island and southwestern Connecticut, a testament to the unique geology of the Eastern U.S.

Shallow Quake and East Coast Geology

The USGS reported the quake occurred at a shallow depth of about 8 miles below the Earth’s surface. This shallow depth is a primary reason why the shaking was felt by so many people, as the seismic energy had less ground to travel through before reaching the surface.

Experts also point to the unique characteristics of the Eastern U.S. landmass. The region’s rocks are much older, denser, and more compressed than the younger, more fractured rocks found in the Western U.S. This geological difference means that seismic waves travel more efficiently and with less energy loss over longer distances, allowing even a small earthquake to be noticed far from its epicenter.

Historical Context and Public Reaction

While a 2.7-magnitude quake is minor and caused no reported damage, it is a notable event for a region not typically associated with seismic activity. It follows a similar, but stronger, 4.8-magnitude earthquake that rattled the same area in April 2024, which was the strongest in the region in over a century.

Social media and local news outlets were quickly filled with reports from residents surprised to feel the ground shake. Many described the sensation as a brief rumble or a sudden jolt, with one Staten Island resident reporting “a light tremor that lasted only a few seconds.”

Earthquake Preparedness: What to Know

Although the risk of a major earthquake in the Eastern U.S. is low, officials advise that it’s always wise to be prepared. For quakes of any size, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends the following safety measures:

• Drop: Drop to your hands and knees.
• Cover: Cover your head and neck with your arms. If possible, crawl under a sturdy table or desk.
• Hold On: Hold on to your shelter until the shaking stops.

In this instance, the quake passed quickly with no reported injuries or structural damage. The event serves as a gentle reminder that seismic activity is a global phenomenon and can happen even in unexpected places.