On Friday morning, a hefty 4.8 magnitude earthquake shook the northeastern region of the United States, sending tremors from Boston all the way down to Baltimore. The epicenter, located approximately 45 miles west of New York City, left residents feeling shaken and startled.
**Felt Far and Wide**
The earthquake was felt for over 30 seconds in New York City, prompting temporary closures and delays in the city’s transportation system. The tremors were also reported as far south as Maryland and Virginia. Despite the intensity and impact, there have been no immediate reports of injuries.
**Uncommon Occurrence**
Earthquakes of this magnitude are relatively rare in the northeastern United States, making Friday’s event particularly unsettling for residents. While aftershocks are possible, the National Tsunami Warning Center has ruled out any tsunami threat.
**Impact on Infrastructure**
The earthquake triggered a swift response from transportation authorities. The Federal Aviation Administration is inspecting runways at major airports in New York City and Newark, New Jersey. United Airlines has announced diversions and delays for flights bound to Newark due to a ground stop. New Jersey Transit is experiencing widespread train delays. The Port Authority has closed the Holland Tunnel for safety checks.
**Official Response**
New York Governor Kathy Hochul and President Joe Biden have been briefed on the earthquake and are monitoring the situation closely. Emergency alerts were sent to cell phones in New York City, urging caution but allowing residents to continue their usual activities.
**Moving Forward**
Geologists are working to assess the full impact of the earthquake and determine the likelihood of additional tremors. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates a 46% chance of another earthquake of magnitude 3.0 or greater in the coming week.
Authorities urge residents to remain calm, follow safety guidelines, and be prepared for potential aftershocks. While the earthquake was unsettling, the lack of significant damage or injuries is a testament to the preparedness and resilience of the northeastern United States.
Data sourced from: cnbc.com
