4.8 magnitude quake rattles New York City area

A 4.8 magnitude earthquake shook the New York City area Friday morning, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

The epicenter was in Tewksbury, N.J., with a depth just shy of 3 miles, according to the USGS.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) said it was felt throughout the state.

“My team is assessing impacts and any damage that may have occurred, and we will update the public throughout the day,” her office said on social media. 

The New York City Fire Department said it had no reports of damage at this time. 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams’s (D) office also said he was briefed on the situation. 

“While we do not have any reports of major impacts at this time, we’re still assessing the impact,” his office said on social media.

Adams said at a news conference later Friday morning that he did not feel the quake.

“I didn’t feel it, my security detail brought it to my attention,” he said. 

“New Yorkers should go about their normal day,” he added. “First responders are working to make sure the city is safe.”

With aftershocks being common after earthquakes, officials warned residents to be prepared. 

“If you feel an aftershock, drop to the floor, cover your head and neck and take cover under a solid piece of furniture next to an interior wall or any doorway,” Adams said during the news conference.

The quake was also felt in Philadelphia and Boston.

Both Newark Liberty International and John F. Kennedy International Airports issued ground stops following the quake.

New Jersey’s rail system said trains could be delayed up to 20 minutes due to bridge inspections after the quake, and the Newark Light Rail service was suspended due to track inspections.

President Biden was briefed on the earthquake, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said on X.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), meanwhile, said he is “closely” monitoring the earthquake.

“Please follow state and local guidance,” he said on X. “I urge USGS and FEMA to work together, and I stand ready to mobilize any federal support needed.”

Zachary Iscol, New York City Emergency Management commissioner, said “there are currently no impact, no major impacts or safety events related to this earthquake.”

Additionally, New York City Public Schools reported no immediate damage. 

“At this time, there is no indication that our buildings were compromised, and our facilities staff are quickly and thoroughly inspecting buildings to ensure safety,” school system spokesperson Nathaniel Styer said on X. “The safest place for our kids right now is in our schools, schools are operating as normal.”

A social media account for the Empire State Building posted, “I AM FINE,” on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

Updated at 1:10 p.m. EDT