UPDATE: Earthquake, Aftershocks Rock Montclair (What To Know)

MONTCLAIR, NJ — An earthquake and several aftershocks rocked the East Coast on Friday, and yes – they were felt in Montclair.

A magnitude 4.8 earthquake was detected with an epicenter seven kilometers north northeast of Whitehouse Station in New Jersey, according to the United States Geological Survey, which monitors earthquakes. See Related: Earthquake Rocks NJ, PA, NYC

Reports of buildings shaking began about 10:30 a.m. and lasted for approximately 30 seconds. The shaking was felt as far as New York City and Philadelphia. A series of aftershocks followed, including a 4.0 magnitude aftershock around 6 p.m.

Montclair police issued an advisory about the earthquake, saying that authorities are aware of the tremors.

"There have been no reports of injuries or damage sustained in this area," Montclair police said. "Please only use 911 to report an emergency."

The Montclair Public School District also issued a statement in the wake of the quake:

"As you probably are aware Montclair Township experienced an earthquake this morning. All schools were checked for damages. Schools reported there were no damages at this time, and everyone is safe. We hope your homes were also free from any damage."

Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller cautioned residents to be alert about potential aftershocks.

"I have spoken with PSEG and they are checking on critical infrastructure, but residents should report any gas odors or leaks to PSEG immediately," Spiller recommended.

Additionally, some westbound lanes on Bloomfield Avenue are closed due to a water main break near Francis Place. Eastbound lanes will be split into both directions, Spiller said.

The Montclair Office of Emergency Management shared an update at 1:47 p.m.:

"The Township's Office of Emergency Management (OEM), consisting of the Police, Fire, EMS, etc., has conducted a damage assessment of the township; there are no signs of damage to the infrastructure, and all schools and municipal properties report no damage. It is believed the earthquake caused a water main break on Bloomfield Avenue near Francis Place, and the Water Bureau is on-scene working to repair the line."

"Residents are advised to call 911 if they smell gas or have a true emergency," the Montclair OEM stated. "Please use the non-emergency number for all other calls. We will keep you updated if any new information becomes available."

Nearby in Essex County, a first grade teacher from Maplewood recounted her classroom's experience.

“Around 10:30 we heard a rumbling and there was a shaking vibration,” she told Patch in an email. “The kids were asking what it was and we thought it was some sort of construction going on, may-be drilling. One girl who used to live in California said she thought it was an earthquake but we all said no way, including myself ... I couldn't believe it was actually an earthquake.”

Earthquakes in the eastern United States are infrequent – but not unexpected, the USGS says. Since 1950, there have been 40 other earthquakes of magnitude 3 or higher within 250 kilometers of Friday’s earthquake. See Related: Here's What Caused Earthquake That Shook NJ, Experts Say

Here’s what happened in some other towns across Essex County:

• Bloomfield
• Caldwells
• Livingston
• Maplewood
• Millburn
• Newark
• West Orange

This article contains reporting from Nicole Rosenthal, Patch staff

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