Magnitude 4.8 earthquake shakes buildings and grounds flights in New York area

A 4.8-magnitude earthquake shook residents in the greater New York City on Friday morning, impacting trains and flights as officials assessed for any damages.

Around 10.20am residents of New York City, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Connecticut reported buildings shaking as the ground quivered in a rarely-felt earthquake.

Moments later, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported a 4.8-magnitude earthquake occurred in Lebanon, New Jersey – approximately 50 miles from New York City.

The USGS reported the earthquake was around 4.7 miles deep and extended to surrounding states.

Soon after, residents received an emergency alert acknowledging the earthquake and warning that aftershocks are possible.

Noticeable earthquakes, like the one on Friday morning, are rare in the New York City area. Ones that can be felt may be perceived as more dangerous, though local officials said there were no signs of damages or injuries. New York City’s Emergency Management asked people not to call 911 unless they were in danger.

But the quake did have real impacts on people’s day-to-day.

A flight ground stop was issued for Newark Libert International Airport and John F Kennedy airport while arrivals into La Guardia Airport and Teterboro Airport were temporarily halted.

Earthquakes are measured based on magnitude and intensity. Seismologists measure magnitude on various scales, notably the Richter and Moment Magnitude scale.

The Richter scale, which is arguably the most well-known form of measuring earthquakes, measures the largest amplitude on the recording but experts say it is an outdated way of measuring earthquakes.

The Moment Magnitude scale is the current way the USGS measures magnitude. It combines the body wave, surface wave and Richter scale classification to create the most reliable estimate of earthquake size.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont all said they had been briefed on the earthquake and were assessing any damages or impacts.

So far, there have been no reports of damages or injuries.

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