If you felt shaking and tremors in our area -yes, there was an earthquake. In fact, Friday morning a 4.8 magnitude Earthquake hit New Jersey causing a ripple effect of shakes and tremors in both Philadelphia and much of the East Coast. Some reports are state those as far as Boston also felt the effects.
Did Philadelphia Just Have An Earthquake?
Friday morning, a 4.8 magnitude earthquake hit Hunterdon County, New Jersey. This caused shaking to be felt across the Northeast, including Philadelphia, New Jersey, NYC, and even Boston.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake was located about 4 miles northeast of Whitehouse Station, New Jersey and had a depth of about 3 miles.
It happened around 10:25 a.m.
Social Media users posted reportedly having felt “shaking building” and “tremors” in Philadelphia.
At this moment, all information is preliminary. We will update this post as more information comes in. Stay tuned.
What Is An Earthquake?
An earthquake is a natural phenomenon that occurs when two blocks of the earth’s crust suddenly move against each other. The release of accumulated energy results in shaking of the ground.
This sudden movement can cause vibrations and waves that can be felt on the surface, ranging from mild tremors to destructive quakes. Earthquakes can also trigger other hazards such as landslides, tsunamis, and avalanches.
They can happen anywhere in the world and are often unpredictable, making them a dangerous force of nature. Monitoring and understanding earthquakes is crucial in order to reduce the impact of these events and protect vulnerable communities.
What Should You Do In An Earthquake?
According to the CDC, here is what you should do in an earthquake:
- Drop, cover, & hold on
- If you are inside, stay inside
- If you are outside, stay outside
- If you are in a moving vehicle, stop as quickly and safely as possible
Is This The Worst Earthquake Philadelphia Has Ever Had?
Living in Philadelphia, we do not experience Earthquakes often. One of the strongest recorded earthquakes in Philadelphia occured in February 1973. It had a magnitude of 3.8.