UPDATED: Earthquake rocks Northeast
Region. A 4.8 magnitude quake was felt throughout the region Friday morning. An aftershock measuring 4.0 was felt about 6 p.m. Friday, also without inflicting serious damage.
Just before 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 5, an earthquake was detected throughout the Northeast.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, a 4.8 magnitude earthquake was reported stemming from Whitehouse Station, N.J.
Residents throughout the tristate area reported feeling the sudden shake, which lasted about 25 seconds, at 10:23 a.m.
An aftershock measuring 4.0 was felt about 6 p.m. Friday.
No major damage was reported from the initial earthquake or the aftershock, although officials urged residents to be vigilant in the days ahead for unseen damage, such as cracks in buildings or foundations.
On Friday, officials asked that residents not call 911 unless there is an emergency.
The quake Friday morning was felt as far south as Maryland and as far north as central Connecticut. Parts of central Pennsylvania and central New York also reported light shaking.
The quake is reported to be the strongest in New York City area since 1884, when a 5.5 magnitude earthquake struck with an epicenter in Brooklyn.
About 500,000 quakes between 2.5 and 5.4 magnitude occur worldwide each year. They often are felt but cause only minor damage.
In 2011, a 5.8 magnitude earthquake occurred in Virginia and was felt throughout the Northeast and into Canada.
Transportation affected
Planes were halted at the major area airports immediately after the quake, and mass transit officials warned that riders may experience delays.
As of 11:45 a.m., Newark Liberty International Airport was open with flights arriving and departing.
Amtrak said speed restrictions have been implemented throughout the Northeast until all inspections are completed and delays should be expected.
About 11 a.m., NJ Transit said rail service throughout the system is subject to delays up to 20 minutes because of bridge inspections.
Traffic at the Holland Tunnel to New York City was held up temporarily for inspections. The tunnel was open again as of 11:15 a.m.
Assessing critical area
Hardyston, N.J., police reported no damage and said officers and local utility companies were assessing critical areas to ensure there was no damage. The alert warned that there may be minor aftershocks in the next 24 hours.
The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities said there had been no impacts or damage to utility infrastructure or the grid resulting from the earthquake as of 11:45 a.m.
Peck’s Wine & Spirits in Warwick, N.Y., reported two wine bottles falling off the shelf.
One casualty was reported in Warwick: the bird Sparky, mascot of the Leo Kaytes Ford dealership for the past 32 years. She was badly injured in an accident that occurred during the quake and did not survive long after that, according to a Facebook post.
Orange County (N.Y.) Executive Steve Neuhaus issued the following statement: “Orange County Emergency Management and OC 911 are receiving phone calls and notifications regarding a tremor just felt in and around the Orange County and Hudson Valley area. We are receiving information of a confirmed 4.8 earthquake with epicenter in Lebanon, NJ (the original epicenter per USGS). Orange County Emergency Services is in contact with the County Executive’s office, New York State and local municipalities and damage assessments are being conducted.”
U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., said her office is monitoring the situation. “I stand ready to work with federal, state and local leaders to deliver resources to address impact or damages. I urge New Yorkers to stay safe and follow the guidance of our first-responders and public officials.”
Editor’s note: This article will continue to be updated as more information becomes available.