Another 4.0 Quake Rattles NJ Friday: Latest Updates

NEW JERSEY - A third, 4.0 scale rated aftershock shook up portions of the Garden State Friday after an afternoon of unusual seismic activity.

The third event, centered just outside Gladstone was recorded shortly after 6 p.m., according to the United States Geological Survey, which monitors earthquakes.

A series of smaller events hit New Jersey Friday afternoon after a "notable" 4.8 magnitude earthquake shook up the state less than two hours earlier.

The 2.0 magnitude earthquake was detected with an epicenter seven kilometers west of Bedminster, New Jersey, the USGS noted.

Three more aftershocks ranging from 1.8 to 2.2 magnitude were reported near Morris, Hunterdon and Somerset counties between about 12:30 and 1:30 p.m.

"According to our forecast, there is a 1% chance of one or more aftershocks that are larger than magnitude 5, which can be damaging, within the next week," the USGS said. "There will likely be smaller aftershocks within the next week, with up to 10 magnitude 3 or higher aftershocks."

The earlier magnitude 4.8 earthquake was detected about 10:23 a.m. with an epicenter near Lebanon, the USGS said.

New Jersey's State Emergency Operations Center has been activated, which will allow for 24-hour agency staffing to coordinate response and recovery operations, Gov. Phil Murphy said. There is no risk of a tsunami from the quake, according to the United States Tsunami Warning System.

Flights out of local airports are grounded and New Jersey Transit officials said to expect delays due to bridge inspections. Read more: Flight Disruptions At Newark Airport After Earthquake Shakes NJ

Read more about Friday's earthquake in New Jersey on Patch: 4.8 Magnitude Earthquake Rocks NJ, PA, NYC