Some more seismic activity is shaking up the New York metro area to start the month of August.
A magnitude 2.7 earthquake sent minor shockwaves to parts of New York and New Jersey just after noon Tuesday, Aug. 5, according to data from the U.S. Geological Survey.
The epicenter of the earthquake was detected about a mile southwest of Hillsdale, New Jersey around 12:11 p.m., USGS said.
The earthquake survey center reported that some people in Rockland, Westchester and New York City felt the tremors, as Hillsdale is only 30 miles from Manhattan.
The town of Ramapo appeared to have over 14 responses to the data center of activity felt. Tremors were reported as far as Newburgh in Orange County.
Earthquake in NJ felt in NY: Rockland, Westchester residents react to 3.0 quake Aug. 3
When was the last earthquake in the NYC metro area?
As the region is located on the Ramapo Fault Line, which extends through northern New Jersey, Rockland and Westchester, it’s not totally uncommon to feel the earth move under our feet.
However, it appears that the tectonic plates have been engaged in much more activity than New Yorkers are used to in recent months.
A magnitude 3.0 tremor shook Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey and the surrounding areas at around 10:15 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 2. People as far as Manhattan, northern Westchester and parts of Connecticut reported to feel the shockwaves.
Before that, a 2.4 magnitude earthquake was felt around Paramus on Jan. 24.
However, the biggest and most memorable quake in recent months was a 4.8 earthquake on April 5, 2024, being felt as far away as Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and of course, the Hudson Valley.
More than 20 aftershocks shook areas of New Jersey and New York afterward, some clocking in on the Richter scale as high as 4.0.
Track seismic activity: See lohud.com’s online earthquake tracker
Check for earthquakes using lohud.com’s online tracker
The Journal News/lohud has an online live earthquake data tracker, that is updated every 10 minutes with the latest information on quakes provided by the U.S. Geological Survey. Check out the tracker here: data.lohud.com/earthquake.
Feeling the Earth move under your feet? Check out lohud’s online earthquake tracker
What is an aftershock?
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, aftershocks are “smaller earthquakes that occur within the same general area during the days to years following a larger event, or ‘mainshock.'”
Aftershocks typically occur near the epicenter of an earthquake and happen when fault lines readjust along the portion of the fault that shifted during the mainshock.
What to do if you feel an earthquake aftershock
Here are some tips to stay safe in the event of aftershocks, from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security:
- Be ready to drop, cover and hold on: Drop down to your hands and knees and hold onto something sturdy. If you use a wheelchair or a walker, make sure the wheels are locked and remain seated until the shaking stops. Cover your head and neck with your arms. If there is a desk or table nearby, crawl under it for shelter or crawl next to an interior wall away from windows.
- If you are in a damaged building, go outside and quickly move away from it. Do not enter damaged buildings.
- If you find yourself trapped in a damaged building, send a text or bang on a pipe or wall. Cover your mouth or shirt for protection.
- In some cases, earthquakes can cause tsunamis near the coast. If you notice signs of a tsunami or receive official government warnings, evacuate immediately. Get to higher ground or as far inland as possible.
- Check your home’s walls, floors, doors, windows and staircases for damage. If you see structural damage, you may need to relocate to find other shelter.
- Check gas, electrical and water lines for damage. If you smell gas or see a broken line, shut off the main valve from outside. Do not use matches, lighters, appliances or light switches until you are sure there are no gas leaks. Sparks from electrical switches could cause an explosion.
(This story may update.)
