A 4.8-magnitude earthquake struck New Jersey on Friday morning, officials say.
A 4.8-magnitude earthquake struck New Jersey on Friday morning, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, and it was likely felt by millions of people across the northeastern U.S. and New York City metropolitan area.
The USGS says the quake struck in Lebanon, New Jersey, at around 10:23 a.m. ET. It’s not yet clear if any damage was done or injuries were reported.
At around 11 a.m., an alert was sent out to the phones of residents in New York City and nearby, advising them to “remain indoors.”
“Preliminary data from the USGS shows that a 4.7 magnitude earthquake was recorded near Whitehouse Station, NJ,” the National Weather Service wrote in a statement. “We have received several reports of shaking which was also felt here at the office,” it added, saying that people should “please refer to the USGS for further information.”
On social media, residents in New York City and Philadelphia reported feeling the temblor. The rare phenomenon quickly became one of the top trending topics on X, formerly known as Twitter.
An Epoch Times reporter who is located 50 miles north of Lebanon reported feeling shaking for approximately five to 10 seconds, while Epoch Times staff in New York City also reported shaking.
Other than New Jersey and New York, the U.S. Geological Survey website has earthquake reports from people in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Maryland.
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The New York City Fire Department told The Associated Press and other media outlets that there were no initial reports of damage.
John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City, Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, and Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport were placed on a ground stop, officials told ABC News. Runways are being inspected for possible damage, they said.
And the quake led to the evacuation to Philadelphia’s City Hall, officials told a local affiliate station.
The Philadelphia Port Authority Transit Corporation (PATCO), which operates a rapid transit line, wrote that all “service is suspended at this time,” adding that “crews will inspect the integrity of the line out of an abundance of caution. Once inspection is complete, service will resume. No timeframe.”
