An earthquake with a preliminary estimated magnitude of 4.8 was felt in the northeastern region of the United States, including New York City, on Friday morning, according to the US Geological Survey.
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As a result, initial reports indicated a 4.8 magnitude earthquake, but this was revised to 4.7 before being adjusted back to 4.8. This may change again as more data is reviewed.
The tremor was registered at 10:23 am local time (11:23 am, Brasília time) northeast of the district of Lebanon, in the state of New Jersey, less than 80 kilometers from New York City.
The earthquake was mild and just below the surface, 5 km deep, making the tremor easier to feel.
Furthermore, initial reports indicate that the tremor was widely felt in the cities of New York, Philadelphia and the capital Washington.
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The slight shaking from this earthquake is unlikely to cause damage, according to initial indications from USGS data.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) said there were no reports of damage or injuries following the earthquake.
The NYPD is receiving numerous calls about buildings that shook and is assessing possible damage.
The New York City Fire Department said the earthquake occurred around 10:30 a.m., with the department receiving reports of buildings shaking.
“We are responding to calls and evaluating structural stability,” the department said in a statement. “There are no serious incidents at this time.”
New York Governor Kathy Hochul posted on X (formerly Twitter) about the earthquake.
“My team is assessing impacts and possible damage that may have occurred and we will update the public throughout the day,” he wrote.
