READINGTON, NJ – An unexpected jolt woke up New Jersey and New York inhabitants on Friday morning as a minor earthquake rippled through the region, according to data from the U.S. Geological Survey. The tremor, initially gauged at 4.8 on the Richter scale, caused a stir among residents and officials alike.
John Ebel, a seasoned professor at the Weston Observatory, addressed the likelihood of subsequent tremors and the reasons behind the varying magnitude estimates in the immediate wake of such seismic occurrences. He noted that the quake’s magnitude might be adjusted as more data is gathered and analyzed.
New Jersey’s Governor, Phil Murphy, verified the quake, pinpointing the epicenter near Readington in Hunterdon County. In response to the event, the State Emergency Operations Center was activated, and residents were urged to keep 911 lines open for true emergencies.
Pennsylvania’s Governor, Josh Shapiro, also recognized the tremor’s reach into his state. His team, in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, are keeping a close watch on the situation and maintaining communication with affected counties.
Governor Kathy Hochul of New York issued a similar statement, promising ongoing updates for the public. New York City’s emergency services planned to send out cell phone alerts to residents on Friday morning.
The quake’s effects were widely discussed on social media, with reports of tremors spanning from Connecticut to Vermont. Lara Walsh, a resident of Norwalk, Connecticut, recounted her experience of her house shaking and shelves rattling, initially mistaken for other potential causes.
Despite the widespread alarm, the Fire Department of New York reported no immediate damage. The situation continues to evolve, and more updates will follow.