Earthquake Hits New Jersey and Shakes Buildings in Surrounding States

Published: 06 April 2024 at 03:14

Science

A 4.7 magnitude earthquake struck New Jersey with its epicenter near Readington, Hunterdon County, followed by a 4.8 magnitude earthquake in Lebanon, 50 miles from New York City; New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed no major impacts or injuries; emergency alerts were sent to residents; safety tips were advised in case of aftershocks; no major life safety or infrastructure issues reported so far.

DEEP DIVE

Mild earthquake shakes New York City and other parts of the north-east

A mild 4.8 magnitude earthquake originating near Lebanon, New Jersey, shook New York City and other parts of the north-east at 10:23 local time, causing minimal damage like cracks in the sidewalk and items falling off shelves. New York Governor Kathy Hochul reported no life-threatening situations, with only a few evacuations in Newark, New Jersey due to structural damage.

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

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.

Earthquake Hits Northern New Jersey, Sparks Social Media Reaction

A magnitude 4.7 earthquake struck northern New Jersey on Friday morning, shaking millions of Americans along the East Coast. The quake caused minimal damage but led to a frenzy on social media with memes circulating rapidly. New York City, Connecticut, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Vermont also felt the tremors. Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul held emergency press conferences in response. The quake highlighted the East Coast's vulnerability to such events, prompting discussions on earthquake preparedness.

Northeastern United States Experiences Rare Earthquake

A 4.8 magnitude earthquake occurred in New Jersey, a shallow earthquake meaning it occurred at a depth of 70 kilometers or less, with a 38% chance of a magnitude 3.0 or higher aftershock predicted by the US Geological Survey. Scott Brandenberg from UCLA believes this event does not signal a rise in long-term earthquake activity in the region, pointing out the stability of the central and eastern U.S. as a reason. The Ramapo Fault System, the longest in the northeastern U.S., runs from Pennsylvania to southeastern New York, where the earthquake epicenter was located at Lebanon, NJ.

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.

Magnitude 4.8 Earthquake Hits Tri-State Region, Not the Largest in Area's History

Residents in more than a dozen states felt a magnitude 4.8 earthquake on Friday, but seismic records show that earthquakes in the 1700s and 1800s had greater magnitudes. The most significant event in the region was a magnitude 5.2 quake in 1884, shaking buildings from Maine to Virginia. Quakes in the East are felt over a wider area due to the region's bedrock, absorbing seismic wave energy inefficiently. The Ramapo Fault in New Jersey is a key fault line, where a magnitude 5.0 quake is expected every 200 years. East Coast earthquakes are rarer than on the West Coast, caused by compression of deep, hard rock.

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.

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.

Readington Township, New Jersey (Wikipedia)

Readington Township is a township located in the easternmost portion of Hunterdon County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the township's population was 16,128, an increase of two people (+0.0%) from the 2010 census count of 16,126, which in turn reflected an increase of 323 (+2.0%) from the 15,803 counted in the 2000 census.Created by Royal charter of King George II, "Reading" Township was formed on July 15, 1730, from portions of Amwell Township. It was the first new township created after Hunterdon was established as an independent county. The township was incorporated as Readingtown Township, one of New Jersey's initial group of 104 townships, on February 21, 1798. Portions of the township were annexed by Tewksbury Township in 1832 and 1861. The township was named for John Reading, the first native-born governor of the British Province of New Jersey.Covering more than 48 square miles (120 km2), it is the largest township in the county, covering almost 11% of the county's area. More than 8,000 acres (32 km2) of land have been preserved from development. Readington Township is bounded on the north by the Lamington River and Rockaway Creek; to the east by Somerset County, which existed as the boundary between East and West Jersey from 1688 to 1695; to the south, the South Branch of the Raritan River; and to the west by the old West Jersey Society's line which crosses the Cushetunk Mountains.

Jersey City, New Jersey (Wikipedia)

Jersey City is the second-most populous city in the U.S. state of New Jersey, after Newark. It is the county seat of Hudson County, and is the county's most populous city and its largest (by area). As of the 2020 United States census, the city's population was 292,449, an increase of 44,852 (+18.1%) from the 2010 census count of 247,597, in turn an increase of 7,542 (+3.1%) from the 240,055 enumerated at the 2000 census. The Census Bureau's Population Estimates Program calculated that the city's population was 286,670 in 2022, ranking the city the 74th-most-populous in the country.Constituting part of the New York metropolitan area, Jersey City is bounded on the east by the Hudson River and Upper New York Bay and on the west by the Hackensack River and Newark Bay. A port of entry, with 30.7 miles (49.4 km) of waterfront and extensive rail infrastructure and connectivity, the city is an important transportation terminus and distribution and manufacturing center for the Port of New York and New Jersey. The Holland Tunnel and PATH mass transit services connect across the Hudson River with Manhattan. Redevelopment of the Jersey City waterfront has made the city one of the largest centers of banking and finance in the United States and has led to the district and city being nicknamed Wall Street West.By 2023, the median rental rate in Jersey City of $2,295 per month was almost two-thirds higher than the national average and ranked ninth-highest among large U.S. cities. Rents in Jersey City were ranked second among 20 communities in the New York metropolitan area, behind New York City.

New Jersey (Wikipedia)

New Jersey ( JUR-zee) is a state situated within both the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern regions of the United States. It is the most densely populated of all 50 U.S. states, and is situated at the center of the Northeast megalopolis. New Jersey is bordered on its north and east by New York state; on its east, southeast, and south by the Atlantic Ocean; on its west by the Delaware River and Pennsylvania; and on its southwest by Delaware Bay and Delaware. At 7,354 square miles (19,050 km2), New Jersey is the fifth-smallest state in land area, but with close to 9.3 million residents as of the 2020 United States census, its highest decennial count ever, it ranks 11th in population. The state capital is Trenton, and the state's most populous city is Newark. New Jersey is the only U.S. state in which every county is deemed urban by the U.S. Census Bureau with 13 counties included in the New York metropolitan area, seven counties in the Philadelphia metropolitan area, and Warren County part of the heavily industrialized Lehigh Valley metropolitan area.New Jersey was first inhabited by Paleo-Indians as early as 13,000 B.C.E., with the Lenape being the dominant Indigenous group when Europeans arrived in the early 17th century. Dutch and Swedish colonists founded the first European settlements in the state, with the British later seizing control of the region and establishing the Province of New Jersey, named after the largest of the Channel Islands. The colony's fertile lands and relative religious tolerance drew a large and diverse population. New Jersey was among the Thirteen Colonies that supported the American Revolution, hosting several pivotal battles and military commands in the American Revolutionary War. On December 18, 1787, New Jersey became the third state to ratify the United States Constitution, which granted it admission to the Union, and it was the first state to ratify the U.S. Bill of Rights on November 20, 1789.New Jersey remained in the Union during the American Civil War and provided troops, resources, and military leaders in support of the Union Army. After the war, the state emerged as a major manufacturing center and a leading destination for immigrants, helping drive the Industrial Revolution in the U.S. New Jersey was the site of many industrial, technological, and commercial innovations, including the first town (Roselle) to be illuminated by electricity, the first incandescent light bulb, and the first steam locomotive. Many prominent Americans associated with New Jersey have proven influential nationally and globally, including in academia, advocacy, business, entertainment, government, military, non-profit leadership, and other fields.New Jersey's central location in the Northeast megalopolis helped fuel its rapid growth and suburbanization in the second half of the 20th century. Since the beginning of the 21st century, the state's economy has become highly diversified, with major sectors including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, information technology, finance, and tourism, and it has become an Atlantic seaboard epicenter for logistics and distribution. New Jersey remains a major destination for immigrants and is home to one of the world's most ethnically diverse and multicultural populations. Echoing historical trends, the state has increasingly re-urbanized, with growth in cities outpacing suburbs since 2008.As of 2022, New Jersey had the highest annual median household income, at $96,346, of all 50 states. Almost one-tenth of all households in the state, or over 323,000, are millionaires, the highest representation of millionaires among all states. New Jersey's public school system consistently ranks at or among the top of all U.S. states. According to climatology research by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, New Jersey has been the fastest-warming state by average air temperature over a 100-year period beginning in the early 20th century, which has been attributed to warming of the North Atlantic Ocean.

Earthquake near Trump's Bedminster National Golf Club Sparks Social Media Speculation

A 4.8 magnitude earthquake near Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, just 6.5 miles from Donald Trump's Bedminster National Golf Club, inspired mock conspiracy theories on social media. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene suggested it was a message to repent, leading to snarky speculations about the quake's real reasons. Trump was not present during the earthquake but the proximity to his golf club attracted attention. The club, opened in 2004 and hosting Trump's daughter's wedding, offers exclusive amenities for a steep membership fee of $300,000 annually, with a family cemetery on-site where Ivana Trump is buried.

Readington Reformed Church (Wikipedia)

The Readington Reformed Church is a historic church located at 124 Readington Road, Readington Village, an unincorporated community located within Readington Township in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. It was known in colonial times as the Dutch Reformed Church of North Branch. It is the oldest Dutch Reformed Church in the county. The current building was built in 1865. The churchyard is known as the Readington Reformed Church Cemetery. The church was added as a contributing property of the Readington Village Historic District by the National Register of Historic Places on June 24, 1991.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene Urges Americans to 'Repent' After Earthquake Hits Northeast

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene urged Americans to 'repent' following a 4.8-magnitude earthquake in New Jersey felt across Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston. She referenced God sending signs like earthquakes and eclipses, warning of more to come. The earthquake's epicenter was in Lebanon, New Jersey, close to President Donald Trump's Bedminster golf course. Greene has a history of using her platform to advocate for faith and country, emphasizing repentance and God's judgment towards those who do not act in the right manner.

New Brunswick, New Jersey (Wikipedia)

New Brunswick is a city in and the seat of government of Middlesex County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. A regional commercial hub for central New Jersey, the city is both a college town (the home of Rutgers University, the state's largest university) and a commuter town for residents commuting to New York City within the New York metropolitan area. New Brunswick is on the Northeast Corridor rail line, 27 miles (43 km) southwest of Manhattan. The city is located on the southern banks of the Raritan River in the heart of the Raritan Valley region.As of the 2020 United States census, the city's population was 55,266, an increase of 85 (+0.2%) from the 2010 census count of 55,181, which in turn reflected an increase of 6,608 (+13.6%) from the 48,573 counted in the 2000 census. The Census Bureau's Population Estimates Program calculated that the city's population was 55,998 in 2022, ranking the city the 712th-most-populous in the country. Due to the concentration of medical facilities in the area, including Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and medical school, and Saint Peter's University Hospital, New Brunswick is known as both the Hub City and the Healthcare City. The corporate headquarters and production facilities of several global pharmaceutical companies are situated in the city, including Johnson & Johnson and Bristol Myers Squibb. New Brunswick has evolved into a major center for the sciences, arts, and cultural activities. Downtown New Brunswick is developing a growing skyline, filling in with new high-rise towers.New Brunswick is noted for its ethnic diversity. At one time, one-quarter of the Hungarian population of New Jersey resided in the city, and in the 1930s one out of three city residents was Hungarian. The Hungarian community continues as a cohesive community, with the 3,200 Hungarian residents accounting for 8% of the population of New Brunswick in 1992. Growing Asian and Hispanic communities have developed around French Street near Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.