On April 5, 2024, at 10:23 AM EDT, a seismic event of magnitude 4.8 rattled Tewksbury Township, New Jersey, sending shockwaves through the state and beyond.
Tremors from this earthquake were felt in the New York metropolitan area, the Delaware Valley, and even Virginia. Despite its broad impact, the earthquake in NJ caused minimal structural damage and no severe injuries.
Today, we’ll unpack the full story behind this earthquake, from its impact and tectonic origins to the aftermath.
Historical Perspective on Earthquakes in New Jersey
This event is now known as the strongest earthquake in New Jersey since the 1783 tremor, which had a magnitude of 5.3. It was also the most powerful impact on New York City since an estimated 5.0 magnitude quake in 1884.
The initial quake was followed by numerous aftershocks over the following weeks, causing ongoing concern among residents.
The Tectonic Activity Behind the New Jersey Earthquake Today
The recent earthquake in New Jersey is likely linked to the Ramapo Fault zone, a prominent geological feature that stretches from Pennsylvania to New York.
Another possible source is the younger Flemington Fault. This region experienced another seismic event on March 14, 2024, which the USGS connected to this recent series of quakes.
Detailed Insights into the April 24’ Earthquake in New Jersey
The epicenter of this seismic event was located at 40.689°N 74.754°W, approximately a mile north of Oldwick and five miles east of Lebanon, NJ. The quake’s shallow depth of 2.9 miles made its effects widely felt.
By early May, the USGS had recorded over 159 aftershocks, the strongest of which was a 3.7-magnitude tremor near Gladstone, NJ.
The Wide-Reaching Impact of the NJ Earthquake
The tremors from the earthquake in NJ caused buildings to shake across New York City, Philadelphia, and Long Island, affecting around 42 million people.
The quake interrupted a United Nations Security Council meeting in Manhattan and delayed a New York Philharmonic performance due to emergency alerts.
Reports of damage included gas leaks in Rockland County, NY, and Morristown, NJ. In Huntington, NY, a vehicle fell into a sinkhole triggered by the quake.
Up to 150 buildings in New York City suffered damage, including the partial collapse of the historic Col. John Taylor’s Grist Mill. Water main breaks were reported in Essex and Morris Counties, and several Newark, NJ homes were condemned.
Aftermath and Response to the Earthquake in NJ
The seismic event caused significant disruptions in air travel. The FAA halted flights at Newark, Philadelphia, and JFK airports. Other airports experienced delays, too, and Newark’s air traffic control tower was temporarily evacuated.
Emergency alerts were sent to NYC residents 26 minutes after the quake, with broader alerts arriving 40 minutes later, prompting public criticism and defense from city officials.
Rail services, meanwhile, including the PATCO Speedline and NJ Transit, faced delays for safety inspections, while major tunnels like the Holland and Lincoln were briefly closed, causing traffic congestion.
In an unexpected twist, a custom T-shirt shop in Manhattan quickly started selling “I survived the NYC earthquake April 5, 2024” shirts, which actually became a viral hit on social media.
When Was the Last Earthquake in New Jersey?
The April 24 earthquake in New Jersey marks the latest significant seismic event in a region that rarely experiences such powerful quakes.
Given the history and potential for future earthquakes in New Jersey, residents and officials are reminded of the importance of staying prepared for the unexpected.
For more information on New Jersey Earthquakes, you can visit our page to stay updated.