Earthquake Shakes Ocean County; Officials Urge Calm

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ — A 4.8 magnitude earthquake shook Ocean County and the greater tri-state area on Friday morning, prompting law enforcement to send out alerts urging people to stay calm.

"Ocean County area has experienced a possible earthquake. Unless you have an actual emergency, do not call 911," the Ocean County Sheriff's Office said in an alert at 10:30 a.m., minutes after the shocks rattled homes and people throughout the area.

The earthquake, initially reported as a 4.7 magnitude, was updated to 4.8 a short time after the initial reports by the U.S. Geological Survey. The epicenter was in Lebanon, in the upper northwest corner or New Jersey.

In Manchester, the quake initially had residents questioning whether the shaking was just another round of training at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, where mortar and howitzer training routinely shakes nearby homes. Two weeks ago, four days of training rumbled much of Ocean County and into Monmouth County as low cloud cover intensified the noise.

Point Pleasant police issued an alert acknowledging the earthquake, saying "no local damage is reported. Additional information will be sent if needed."

Brick Township police issued a similar advisory saying, "The police department is aware there was just an earthquake that affected the area and there is currently no cause for concern."

In Toms River, township officials said, "We have not been informed of any risk to public safety and Township offices remain open."

Barnegat Township police said there were no reports of property damage or injuries in the township and said they will "continue to monitor this incident and disseminate an updated alert if necessary. Thank you and stay safe!"

Read more: 4.8 Magnitude Earthquake Rocks NJ, PA, NYC