Minor Earthquake Shakes New York City Area; No Damage Reported

A 3.0-magnitude earthquake struck near Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, on Saturday night, sending brief tremors through parts of the New York metropolitan area, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

The quake, centered in Bergen County about 10 kilometers underground, caused noticeable shaking but no immediate reports of injuries or structural damage. Security camera footage captured startled residents reacting to the sudden tremor, with some mistaking it for a collision or explosion.

"It felt like a car hit the house—there was a loud boom, and everything shook," said WABC-TV reporter Darla Miles, who was at home during the quake. Neighbors gathered outside to check for damage, though inspections yielded no major issues.

USGS analyst Xan Davidson noted that while East Coast earthquakes are uncommon, a 3.0-magnitude event is minor. "We wouldn’t expect damage, just perceptible shaking," Davidson told ABC News. The tremor was felt as far as Connecticut, a typical reach for quakes in the region.

The event follows a rare 4.8-magnitude quake that rattled the same area in April 2024—one of the strongest recorded on the East Coast in decades. "Earthquakes here are infrequent but not unheard of," Davidson added.

New York City Emergency Management confirmed that some residents felt vibrations but reiterated no injuries or damage were reported. Meanwhile, air quality alerts in other U.S. cities remained a separate concern.

Key Details:

Magnitude: 3.0

Epicenter: Near Hasbrouck Heights, NJ (Bergen County)

Depth: 10 km

Impact: Shaking reported in NYC, NJ, and CT; no damage

Context: Follows April 2024’s 4.8-magnitude quake in NJ