Earthquake Rattles U.S. East Coast, Prompting Inspections and Ground Stops

An earthquake jolted the East Coast of the United States on Friday morning, sending tremors from Maryland to Maine. The U.S. Geological Survey reported the quake as a 4.8 temblor, with its epicenter near Lebanon, New Jersey, striking just before 10:30 a.m. ET.

This seismic event marks the most powerful recorded earthquake in the Northeast in over a decade, according to USGS data. While there were no immediate reports of significant destruction or casualties, buildings shook, and nerves rattled throughout the affected region.

Local and regional authorities swiftly initiated inspections to assess the integrity of buildings, bridges, and other critical infrastructure. Lebanon, New Jersey Mayor James Pittinger described the quake as “the craziest thing I’ve ever experienced,” noting that while no major damage was reported, the shaking caused disruptions and minor incidents.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul confirmed that the quake was felt across the state and assured the public that her team was evaluating impacts and any potential damage. Deputy Mayor Fabien Levy of New York City stated that there were no major impacts reported within the city limits.

In response to the quake, ground stops were implemented at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey and John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City. Additionally, the Port Authority Transit Corp. suspended service for safety inspections, and New Jersey Transit warned commuters of delays due to bridge inspections.

While earthquakes are rare in the Northeastern United States, this event serves as a reminder of the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity. The last notable quake in the area occurred in Buffalo, New York, in February 2023, while a 4.1-magnitude quake shook the tristate area in 2017. In 2011, a 5.8-magnitude earthquake centered in central Virginia reverberated across much of the East Coast, prompting evacuations in major cities.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced the activation of the state’s emergency operations center and urged the public to reserve 911 calls for emergencies only, as officials continue to monitor the situation and respond accordingly.