Weather
3 Aftershocks Detected Near Morris Co. After Friday Earthquake: USGS
As of the latest update, both smaller earthquakes measured magnitude 2.0 on the Richter scale.
CHESTER, NJ — Three aftershocks were detected near Morris County in the hours following Friday morning's earthquake in New Jersey , the U.S. Geological Survey said.
As of the latest update, the first two smaller earthquakes measured magnitude 2.0 on the Richter scale. One, measured at 11:49 a.m., appears to have an epicenter south of Washington Township, just over the border with Hunterdon County.
The other was detected at 1:14 p.m. and centered in the Flanders area just north of Chester, according to preliminary reports.
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The third came shortly after 6 p.m. and reached a 4.0 on the scale and was centered near Gladstone, the USGS said.
"According to our forecast, there is a 1 percent 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."
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The USGS recommends individuals to remain indoors during an earthquake and steer clear of windows, kitchens, fireplaces and heavy furniture.
If you are outside, get away from buildings, power lines or any other structures that could fall. If you are driving, carefully stop and stay away from bridges, overpasses, light posts and power lines. When the shaking stops, watch for breaks in the pavement or falling debris.
Historically, there have been four earthquakes that caused damage in the Garden State, according to official state records. Those earthquakes happened in 1737, 1783, 1884 and 1927. The 1783 quake, which had an epicenter in Rockaway Township, still holds the record for the strongest quake in the state at a 5.3 magnitude.
Patch's Nicole Rosenthal contributed to this report.
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