27 Earthquake Aftershocks Rattle Area Overnight Into Saturday: USGS

LONG ISLAND, NY – A series of 27 aftershocks have rattled New Jersey so far, with some felt across Long Island and the tri-state region — after Friday's earthquake, registering at a 4.8 magnitude, was deemed one of the largest in the last century.

Alexandra Hatem, research geologist with the United States Geological Survey, said the 27 aftershock followed the main earthquake Friday. "That is totally normal and expected," Hatem said. "Smaller magnitude shocks happen for days, weeks and even months after the main shock."

According to the USGS's aftershocks forecast, Hatem said there is 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 being an aftershock in New Jersey with a magnitude of 4.0 shook homes across Long Island Friday evening. The USGS said that aftershock was reported 7 km southwest of Gladstone, NJ at 5:59 p.m.

It was the latest in an eventful day for Long Islanders, who first felt their homes rocked Friday morning after an earthquake was reported in New Jersey.

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."

Hochul said millions of New Yorkers felt the effects of the earthquake, the epicenter of which was in Central New Jersey, about 45 miles west of Manhattan.

"We're taking this extremely seriously, and here's why: there is always the possibility of aftershocks. But we have not felt the magnitude of an earthquake of this level since about 2011. It's been a very unsettling day, to say the least," Hochul said. She offered safety tips.

"Everyone should continue to take this seriously. If there is an aftershock, people are encouraged to drop and to cover and to hold on. Drop to the floor, cover your neck, and hold on to something that is sturdy. Take caution near any damaged buildings."

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