*Updated on April 5, 2024, at 12:56 p.m.:
A massive earthquake hit New Jersey on Friday morning, and its effects could be felt in New York City and beyond. The 4.8-magnitude earthquake hit at approximately 10:23 a.m. local time and was centered near Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, per the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
"We're taking this extremely seriously, and here's why. There's always the possibility of aftershocks. We have not felt a magnitude of this earthquake since about 2011," said New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. "This is one of the largest earthquakes on the East Coast to occur in the last century."
According to CNN's analysis of USGS data, the earthquake was the third-strongest to hit New Jersey. It's also been billed as the strongest since 1783, more than 240 years ago—two 5.1-magnitude earthquakes hit in 1755 and in 1783. (They happened before New Jersey became a state in December 1787. The earthquakes occurred in the geographic area that now makes up the state's boundaries.)
Friday's earthquake is the third-strongest to hit the Northeast in 50 years and the 10th-strongest of all time in the region, according to USGS data.
The earthquake was felt throughout the Tri-State Area, including upstate in Syracuse, Philadelphia, and Baltimore, as well as in Maine and Washington, D.C.
"It's been an unsettling day, to say the least," Hochul said.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams said, "New Yorkers should go about their normal day. First responders are working to make sure the city's safe."
However, should an aftershock occur, Adams said people should "drop to the floor, cover your head and neck, and take cover under a solid piece of furniture next to an interior wall, or in a doorway."
New York City public schools were told to continue operations and hold dismissal as normal.
"Earthquakes don't happen every day in New York, so this can be extremely traumatic - the number of texts, calls, and inquiries that people sent out not only to our administration but to family members. Check in on them. We know how this can impact you," Adams added.
*This is an ongoing story and will be updated as needed. Refresh for the latest!
