An earthquake shook the northeast tristate area on Friday, April 5, 2024, creating a moment of fear among residents and commuters.
The tremors were felt in New York City, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, lasting about 30 seconds before coming to an abrupt end.
The epicenter of the 4.8 magnitude earthquake was recorded in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey. The quake, which occurred on Friday morning at around 10:23 am ET, caused the ground to shake, leading to products falling off shelves and wall decor crashing down in some areas.
Despite the brief duration of the earthquake, it led to disruptions in travel, with nearby airports implementing departure ground stops. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) experienced delays in takeoffs as a result of the quake.
While trains, buses, and ferries continued to operate with minor delays, the earthquake was a reminder of the seismic activity that can occur in the region.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), earthquakes are fairly common in the New York City area, with a magnitude of 4.8 being one of the largest to ever occur.
Dr. Chuck Ver Straeten, a geologist and curator of sedimentary rocks at the New York State Museum, noted that earthquakes in this region typically have a lower magnitude and are less likely to be felt by residents. Despite this, more than 900 earthquakes have hit New York and neighboring Northeast states in the past century.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul and former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie both acknowledged the earthquake, with Hochul assuring the public of updates on the situation. The earthquake, felt across multiple states, prompted millions of people to report their experiences, with minor tremors reaching as far as Maine and Virginia.
While some residents made light of the situation, others, like First Take host Molly Qerim, were genuinely taken aback by the earthquake.
