A magnitude 3.0 earthquake struck Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, on Saturday night, with residents across northern New Jersey and New York City reporting they felt the brief but intense tremor. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed the quake occurred at 10:18 p.m. as a result of shallow faulting within the Earth’s crust.
Though small by global standards, the quake sent a noticeable jolt through homes and buildings across the region due to the eastern United States’ efficient seismic wave propagation. Reports quickly surfaced from New Jersey suburbs and all five NYC boroughs of shaking floors, rattling furniture, and loud thuds.
Bradford Billingsley in Harlem said he felt “a sudden jolt” while watching television. In Montclair, New Jersey, residents described the tremor as sounding like “the biggest truck in the world hitting a pothole.”
The USGS noted that while earthquakes in this region are uncommon, they are not unexpected. Since 1950, 43 quakes of magnitude 3.0 or greater have occurred within 250 kilometers of Saturday night’s epicenter. The quake was not an aftershock of the April 2024 magnitude 4.8 earthquake near Tewksbury, but that previous event continues to produce aftershocks in the wider area.
NYC Emergency Management confirmed tremors may have been felt in parts of the city and said it is coordinating with other agencies to assess any impacts. Residents were advised to remain prepared for possible aftershocks.
Despite the jolt, there have been no reports of damage or injuries. The event has once again highlighted the need for preparedness, even in regions not typically known for frequent seismic activity.
