An earthquake of a magnitude of 4.8 hit the northeastern United States on Friday morning. The earthquake was felt from Boston to Baltimore around 10:23 a.m. ET, according to the United States Geological Survey.
In New York City, where tremors lasted more than 30 seconds, there were no early reports of casualties or damage, but the quake caused multiple delays and temporary closures of transportation infrastructure in the vicinity.
The quake’s epicenter was located about 45 miles west of New York City and 40 miles east of Allentown, Pennsylvania, in a location north of Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, according to the USGS.
“I AM FINE,” the Empire State Building’s social media account, X, tweeted.
The National Tsunami Warning Center stated that there was no risk of a tsunami on the East Coast following the earthquake.
At 11:20 a.m. ET, an aftershock of a magnitude of 2.0 struck northern New Jersey.
According to the USGS, there is a 46% chance of another earthquake of magnitude 3.0 or higher during the next week.
How to stay safe during an earthquake
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in many cases involving an active earthquake, you can protect yourself almost immediately. They advise you to get down on your hands and knees and cover your head and neck. If possible, place yourself beneath a big table or desk.
If there is no shelter nearby, you can lie down next to an interior wall or low-lying furniture that will not fall on you. You should also try to avoid hanging objects, china cabinets, and other items that could fall on you.
According to the CDC, if you are inside a building during an earthquake, remain inside; if you are outside during an earthquake, stay outside.
If you have to stay outside, stay away from buildings, utility wires, sinkholes, and gas lines. One of the most dangerous aspects of being outside during an earthquake is the falling debris. If you are outside during an earthquake, choose an open spot, free of trees, buildings, and telephone poles.
If you are driving during an earthquake, you should come to a complete stop as quickly and safely as possible. Move your vehicle away from utility poles, overhead wires, and underpasses or overpasses. Make sure you turn on your radio for the latest news coverage.