LONG ISLAND, N.Y. – A series of 27 aftershocks have rocked New Jersey so far, with some felt on Long Island and the tri-state area – after Friday's 4.8-magnitude earthquake was considered one of the greatest of the last century.
Alexandra Hatem, a research geologist at the United States Geological Survey, said the 27 aftershock followed the main quake on Friday. “This is completely normal and expected,” Hatem said. “Smaller magnitude shocks occur for days, weeks and even months after the main shock.”
According to the USGS aftershock forecast, Hatem said there is a 74 percent chance of a magnitude 3 or larger earthquake occurring in the coming week. But, he added, there is a “very, very small chance of a large magnitude 5 or larger occurring — just a 1 percent chance.”
Those feeling aftershocks should take protective measures, Hatem said. “If you feel shaky, fall, cover and hold on,” he said. While he realizes not everyone can do this, he added it's important to protect heads and necks and be aware of their surroundings.
Hatem said to check the USGS website for additional information and updates.
According to the USGS site, a series of smaller aftershocks ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 were felt after the initial quake, with the largest being a magnitude 4.0 aftershock in New Jersey that shook homes in all over Long Island on Friday night. The USGS said the aftershock was reported 7 km southwest of Gladstone, NJ at 5:59 p.m.
It was the latest in an eventful day for Long Island residents, who first felt their homes shake Friday morning after an earthquake was reported in New Jersey.
According to the United States Geological Survey, USGS, a magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck 7 km northeast of the Whitehouse, NJ station shortly after 10:20 am.
The New York State Office of Emergency Management sent out an alert shortly after noon. “An earthquake occurred in New Jersey. The earthquake was felt throughout New York State. Aftershocks may occur. Call 911 only if you or others are injured or have an emergency.”
The USGS said magnitude is expressed in whole numbers and decimal fractions, adding that “a magnitude of 5.3 is a moderate earthquake and a 6.3 is a strong earthquake.” Michigan Tech reported that a magnitude of 2.5 to 5.4 is “often noticeable but causes only minor damage,” not reporting about 500,000 annually.
“A 4.8 magnitude earthquake struck west of Manhattan and was felt throughout New York City,” Governor Kathy Hochsul said. “My team is assessing the impact and any damage that may have occurred and we will update the public throughout the day.”
Hochul added: “This is one of the largest earthquakes on the east coast that occurred in the last century.”
Hochul said millions of New Yorkers felt the effects of the quake, which was centered in central New Jersey, about 45 miles west of Manhattan.
“We take this extremely seriously, and here's why: there's always the possibility of aftershocks. But we haven't felt the magnitude of an earthquake of this level since about 2011. It was a very worrying day, to say the least,” Hochul said. He offered safety tips.
“Everyone should continue to take this seriously. If there is an aftershock, people are encouraged to fall and take cover and hold on. Drop to the floor, cover your neck and hold on to something durable. Be careful near any damaged buildings”.
Across Long Island, residents took to social media to share the experience: “My house was shaking,” echoed one after another.
