Minor Earthquake Shakes Northern New Jersey, No Damage Reported

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A 3.0 magnitude earthquake struck Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, late Saturday night, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The tremor, while relatively mild, was felt across parts of the New York metropolitan area and prompted responses from residents and local agencies. No injuries or property damage have been reported at this time.

The USGS confirmed the earthquake occurred at a depth of approximately 6.2 miles. Hasbrouck Heights, located less than eight miles west of Central Park, was identified as the epicenter. Despite the low magnitude, residents across the region—including Long Island and Westchester County—reported feeling the ground shake. Social media users in and around New York City also described brief but noticeable tremors.

City officials stated that there was no immediate cause for concern and advised residents to call 311 if they experienced any damage or required assistance. The New York City Emergency Management office emphasized that no protective action was needed unless structural issues were observed. Residents who felt the quake were encouraged to inspect their surroundings for hazards such as fallen items or visible cracks.

For comparison, Michigan Technological University’s College of Engineering notes that earthquakes in the 3.0 range are generally felt near the epicenter but seldom cause significant damage. Globally, it is estimated that around 500,000 earthquakes within the 2.5 to 5.4 magnitude range occur each year, many of which go unnoticed by the public.

This incident follows a stronger 4.8 magnitude quake that struck Tewksbury, New Jersey in 2024, located farther west of Saturday’s event. That earlier earthquake caused more widespread attention due to its higher magnitude but still resulted in limited damage.

While no formal statements have been made from federal agencies regarding the potential for aftershocks, local authorities continue to monitor the situation. As of Sunday morning, there were no additional seismic events reported in the area.

In a lighter response to the situation, the Empire State Building’s official social media account posted, “I AM FINE,” signaling a calm and humorous reaction to the event.

Earthquakes of this magnitude are not common in the region, but minor tremors occasionally occur. The USGS and emergency management services remain available to provide updates and support should any new information emerge.