Earthquake Shakes Up West Orange: No Reported Injuries, Damage

WEST ORANGE, NJ — An earthquake and several aftershocks rocked the East Coast on Friday, and yes – they were felt in West Orange.

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 (USGS), 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.

West Orange Mayor Susan McCartney issued the following advisory in the wake of Friday's tremors:

"Various news sources are reporting an apparent earthquake that shook New Jersey Friday morning and was felt in West Orange. It is being reported as a magnitude 4.8 earthquake with an epicenter identified as 3 miles northeast of Lebanon, New Jersey. It happened around 10:25 a.m. Friday morning. There currently are no reports of damage or injuries. Updates as necessary."

"We are aware of the earthquake that just occurred in New Jersey," the West Orange Police Department noted. "Please do not call 9-1-1 unless you have an actual emergency."

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
• Montclair
• Newark

This article contains reporting from Nicole Rosenthal, Patch staff

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