5 Days After Earthquake, Aftershocks Still Rattling The HV

HUDSON VALLEY, NY – Five days after Friday's earthquake, which registered at a 4.8 magnitude and was deemed one of the largest in the last century in the area — a series of 47 aftershocks have rattled New Jersey, with some felt across the Hudson Valley and the tri-state region.

So far one has happened Wednesday, at 10:22 a.m. registering at a 2.6. magnitude. It was located 5 km southwest of Gladstone, NJ, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Alexandra Hatem, research geologist with the USGS, said the aftershocks were totally "normal and expected. Smaller magnitude shocks happen for days, weeks and even months after the main shock."

According to the USGS's aftershocks forecast, Hatem said Saturday that there was a 74 percent change of a magnitude 3 or greater earthquake happening in the coming week. But, she added, there is a "very, very low chance of a large magnitude of 5 or greater happening — just a 1 percent chance."

Those who are feeling aftershocks should take protective action, Hatem said. "If you feel shaking, drop, cover and hold on," she said. While she realizes not everyone can do that, she added that it's important to protect heads and necks and be aware of surroundings.

Hatem said to check the USGS site for additional information and updates.

According to the USGS site, a series of smaller aftershocks, ranging from 1.5 to 2.5, were felt after the initial quake, the largest so far being an aftershock with a magnitude of 3.8 that was felt up into the Hudson Valley Friday evening. The USGS said that one was reported 7 km southwest of Gladstone, NJ at 5:59 p.m.

According to the United States Geological Survey, USGS, an earthquake registering as 4.8 took place 7 km northeast of Whitehouse Station, NJ just after 10:20 a.m. The earthquake was felt across the tri-state area and upstate.

The New York State Office of Emergency Management sent out an alert just after noon. "An earthquake occurred in New Jersey. The earthquake has been felt throughout NY State. Aftershocks may occur. Call 911 only if you or others are injured or have an emergency."

The USGS said magnitude is expressed in whole numbers and decimal fractions, adding that "a magnitude 5.3 is a moderate earthquake, and a 6.3 is a strong earthquake." Michigan Tech reported that a magnitude of 2.5 to 5.4 is "often felt, but only causes minor damage", without about 500,000 reported yearly.

"A 4.8 magnitude earthquake hit west of Manhattan and has been felt throughout New York," Governor Kathy Hochul said. "My team is assessing impacts and any damage that may have occurred, and we will update the public throughout the day."

Hochul added: "This is one of the largest earthquakes on the East Coast to occur in the last century."

Across the Hudson Valley, residents turned to social media to share the experience: "My house shook," they echoed, one after another.