An earthquake rattled New Jersey on Saturday, Aug. 2 and could be felt all the way through parts of New York City, according to the United States Geological Survey.
The epicenter of the 3.0 magnitude tremblor was in Hasbrouck Heights, Bergen County on Saturday just after 10:15 p.m. ET, the USGS said.
The area is about 15 miles northwest of New York City, where the quake was also felt, according to USGS reports. Acccording to reports, the quake lasted for a few seconds before stopping.
As of Sunday, Aug. 3 about noon ET, no damage or injuries had been reported by local emergency officials, who urged residents in that area to stay alert in the event of a potential aftershock.
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Earthquake registered nearly 10 miles deep
Data provided by USGS showed the earthquake was nearly 10 miles deep.
As of early Sunday morning on Aug. 3, no damage had been reported from the quake, NYC Emergency Management posted on X. The agency reported the quake may have been felt in parts of the the city.
“There are no known issues reported to NYCEM affecting utility services, transportation systems, traffic flow, or structural stability across the city,” the agency wrote. “Operations continue as normal. While later reports or developments could change the picture, the event appears to have had minimal impact.”
New Yorkers should be prepared for aftershocks which could take place from as little as seconds to days after the initial earthquake, the agency posted.
“No additional seismic activity has been reported so far. But should an aftershock take place, be ready to act. If you feel shaking, drop to the ground, take cover under something sturdy,” the post continues.
Earthquake magnitudes
Here are each magnitude and effects of an earthquake, according to Michigan Technological University:
- Below 2.5: Generally not felt
- 2.5 to 5.4: Minor or no damage
- 5.5 to 6.0: Slight damage to buildings
- 6.1 to 6.9: Serious damage
- 7.0 to 7.9: Major earthquake, serious damage
- 8.0 or greater: Massive damage, can destroy communities
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How many earthquakes happen each year?
The U.S. typically sees about 63 earthquakes annually, according to the USGS.
According to its website, the National Earthquake Information Center locates about 20,000 earthquakes across the world each year (about 55 daily).
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Second notable US earthquake in less than 2 days
The quake comes on the heels of another notable tremor strucking a U.S. state less than two days earlier.
On Thursday, July 31, a preliminary 4.3 magnitude earthquake hit Southern California’s Inland Empire near Muscoy in San Bernadino, California.
According to the USGS, the earthquake was reported about 9:30 a.m. local time, with smaller earthquakes ranging from magnitudes 2.8 to 3.1 reported shortly before and after.
No damages or injuries were reported.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.
