Earthquake hits east coast of the United States, centred near New Jersey, with no initial reports of damage

Published: 05 April 2024 at 17:15

Science

An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 4.8 struck near Lebanon, New Jersey, felt in New York City. Governor Kathy Hochul confirmed its impact on the state, with an estimated 42 million people experiencing it. Safety precautions were advised due to possible aftershocks. Airlines faced delays, and inspections caused transit disruptions in the affected areas. Authorities emphasized checking for damage and avoiding at-risk buildings. The incident led to heightened awareness and measures to ensure public safety.

DEEP DIVE

4.8 magnitude earthquake rattles New Jersey and New York City, disrupting air and rail travel

A 4.8 magnitude earthquake centered near Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, disrupted air and rail travel in the New York City region, causing ground stoppages at airports like JFK and delays in train service. Newark airport experienced departure delays of up to 43 minutes, while LaGuardia also faced delays for safety checks. New Jersey Transit reported up to 20-minute delays system-wide as they inspected infrastructure for damage. The earthquake, the first major one on the East Coast in over a decade, had tremors felt across several states, impacting travel operations but was not expected to cause long-term disruptions.

Emergency Earthquake Alert Interrupts The View's Live Broadcast in New York City

During a live broadcast of The View, an emergency earthquake alert interrupted the show after a 4.8 magnitude earthquake hit the New York City area at 10:23 a.m. The alert instructed residents to stay indoors and only call 911 if injured. The earthquake was felt in NYC, New Jersey, Virginia, and Philadelphia. The U.S. Geological Survey reported the quake was centered near Lebanon, New Jersey. New York City Mayor Eric Adams reassured residents, saying no major life safety issues were reported. The hosts of The View joked and discussed their experiences during the earthquake on air, confirming they survived the incident.

Rare Earthquake on East Coast Sparks Social Media Reaction

A rare earthquake with a tentative magnitude of 4.8 struck the East Coast from Maine to Maryland, centered in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey. Social media users flooded platforms with emotions, jokes, and memes, with New Yorkers making light of the situation. The earthquake led to trending topics like "earthquake," "East Coast," "Connecticut," and "USGS" on social media. Some users shared their experiences of shaking homes and delayed emergency alerts, while others joked about dramatic reactions and the upcoming solar eclipse.

New York Yankees' Home Opener Proceeds Despite 4.7-Magnitude Earthquake in the Tri-State Area

The New York Yankees continued with their home opener against the Toronto Blue Jays despite a 4.7-magnitude earthquake felt in the Tri-State Area just before the game. Players including slugger Juan Soto, acquired in an offseason trade, felt the ground shaking but remained unfazed. The earthquake, centered near Lebanon, New Jersey, did not cause any damage. Fans and media made connections between Soto's arrival and the earthquake, with some humorous reactions on social media. The game proceeded as scheduled, with players like Gleyber Torres continuing batting practice amidst the tremor.

Massive Spring Storm Causes Damage in Northeastern United States

A major spring storm brought heavy snow, rain, and high winds to the Northeast, causing power outages and transportation disruptions. The storm resulted in over 680,000 power outages, with the majority in Maine and New Hampshire. Travel became treacherous in northern parts of New England and New York, leading to accidents and closures. Schools and government offices were closed in affected areas. Cleanup efforts were underway in states hit by tornadoes and severe weather. The storm also impacted New York City, leaving residents dealing with crushed cars, downed utility poles, and debris. Thousands were left without power in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

New York Governor Sends National Guard to Subways Amid Crime Concerns

Governor Kathy Hochul deployed nearly 1,000 National Guard members, state police, and MTA officers to conduct bag checks in New York City subways following recent high-profile crimes. The effort aims to enhance safety for commuters and transit workers. Well-publicized attacks, including a man being pushed onto tracks and a subway conductor being slashed, have raised anxiety levels. Hochul's plan includes deploying 750 National Guard members and 250 state troopers to assist the NYPD with bag checks and implementing measures like banning convicted assailants from trains and installing cameras in conductor cabins.

Woman loses both feet after being pushed onto subway tracks in NYC amid rise in subway crimes

A 29-year-old woman had both of her feet amputated after being pushed onto subway tracks in Manhattan following an argument with her boyfriend, while another man was killed after jumping onto tracks in a separate incident. Police do not believe the incidents are connected. In response to rising crime in the subway system, Governor Kathy Hochul ordered nearly 1,000 personnel to conduct bag checks at busy stations to combat criminal activity and ensure passenger safety in New York City.

Nor'easter Storm Affecting Northeast and New England with Strong Winds and Heavy Snowfall

A powerful nor'easter is impacting the Northeast and New England with wind gusts up to 60 mph, heavy rain, and the possibility of feet of snow in some areas. More than 116,000 customers in Maine and 48,000 in New York lost power. The storm is causing disruptions in cities like Boston and New York City, with significant snowfalls expected in interior portions of the Northeast and New England, including up to 3 feet in some areas. Ski resorts in Vermont, New Hampshire, and New York are expected to benefit from the late-season snowstorm.

Mixed Reactions to National Guard Deployment in New York City Subway

Governor Kathy Hochul sent 1,000 personnel to conduct bag checks in the NYC subway, aiming to reduce crime, with mixed reactions from riders. Recent violent attacks prompted the deployment, which some support for increased safety, while others fear racial profiling and militarization of civilian spaces. Crime has increased by 13% this year, despite a 3% decrease last year. Critics suggest the plan may not address root causes and could lead to constitutional issues. The move has sparked debates on policing practices like stop and frisk, drawing concerns about potential bias and infringement of commuter rights.

New York Governor Halts $750,000 Fee for NYC Marathon Bridge Crossing

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has ordered the state's transit agency to cancel the $750,000 fee imposed on the New York City Marathon for using the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) sought the fee to make up for lost toll revenue during the marathon, but the governor encouraged alternative revenue sources for mass transit. The Marathon, with over 50,000 participants annually, generates significant economic and charitable contributions for the city.

New York Governor Sends National Guard to Subway for Bag Checks

New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced plans to deploy 750 National Guard members to assist the New York Police Department in conducting bag checks for weapons in the subway system. The deployment is part of a wider effort to address crime, including installing cameras in conductor cabins and proposing a three-year ban for those convicted of assaulting subway passengers. Despite criticism from civil libertarians, Hochul's move aims to enhance public safety in response to recent high-profile assaults and an increase in subway crimes.

Trenton, New Jersey (Wikipedia)

Trenton is the capital city of the U.S. state of New Jersey and the seat of Mercer County. It was the capital of the United States from November 1 until December 24, 1784. Trenton and Princeton are the two principal cities of the Trenton–Princeton metropolitan statistical area, which encompasses those cities and all of Mercer County for statistical purposes and constitutes part of the New York combined statistical area by the U.S. Census Bureau. However, Trenton directly borders the Philadelphia metropolitan area to its west, and the city was part of the Philadelphia combined statistical area from 1990 until 2000.In the 2020 United States census, Trenton was the state's 10th-most-populous municipality, with a population of 90,871, an increase of 5,958 (+7.0%) from the 2010 census count of 84,913, which in turn had reflected a decline of 490 (−0.6%) from the 85,403 counted in the 2000 census. The Census Bureau's Population Estimates Program calculated that the city's population was 89,661 in 2022, ranking the city the 382nd-most-populous in the country. Trenton is the only city in New Jersey that serves three separate commuter rail transit systems (Amtrak, NJ Transit, and SEPTA), and the city has encouraged a spate of transit-oriented development since 2010.Trenton dates back at least to June 3, 1719, when mention was made of a constable being appointed for Trenton while the area was still part of Hunterdon County. Boundaries were recorded for Trenton Township as of March 2, 1720. A courthouse and jail were constructed in Trenton around 1720, and the Freeholders of Hunterdon County met annually in Trenton.Abraham Hunt was appointed in 1764 as Trenton's first Postmaster. On November 25, 1790, Trenton became New Jersey's capital, and by November 13, 1792, the City of Trenton was formed within Trenton Township. Trenton Township was incorporated as one of New Jersey's initial group of 104 townships by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on February 21, 1798. On February 22, 1834, portions of Trenton Township were taken to form Ewing Township. The remaining portion of Trenton Township was absorbed by the city on April 10, 1837. A series of annexations took place over a 50-year period with the city absorbing South Trenton (April 14, 1851), portions of Nottingham Township (April 14, 1856), Chambersburg Township and Millham Township (both on March 30, 1888), and Wilbur (February 28, 1898). Portions of Ewing Township and Hamilton Township were annexed to Trenton on March 23, 1900.