SUFFERN, NY — Residents across northern New Jersey and parts of Rockland County, New York, felt a minor earthquake Friday afternoon, the second notable tremor to shake the region in under a year. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed that a 2.4-magnitude earthquake struck just after 1 p.m., centered one mile outside of Paramus, New Jersey, at a depth of approximately 4.78 miles.
As of 2:15 p.m. Friday, the USGS had received 426 reports confirming shaking from Bergen County, North Jersey, Rockland County, and New York City.
The quake caused no reported damage but startled many, prompting immediate reactions on social media and local community groups.
Widespread Reports of Shaking and Loud Booms
Shortly after the quake, residents from various parts of Bergen County New Jersey, reported feeling sudden tremors, hearing loud booms, and experiencing brief rattling inside their homes. Social media platforms like Reddit, X (formerly Twitter), and local Facebook groups were flooded with posts from people seeking confirmation.
- “What the hell was that?”
- “Did anyone just hear something?”
- “Felt that.”
- “Oh, wow didn’t feel anything.”
Various New Jersey police departments also responded quickly to resident concerns, and reassured the public that there were no current reports of injury or damage:
- Glen Rock Police Department posted on X and Nixle, confirming:
“The USGS has confirmed a M 2.4 earthquake occurred today at or about 1:02 p.m. in the Paramus/Glen Rock area. We have no reports of damage or cause for concern at this time.” - Emerson Police Department issued a similar warning, advising:
“If you smell gas in your home or business, call 911. Prepare for possible aftershocks.”
A Pattern of Seismic Activity in the Region
Friday’s tremor is the latest in a string of earthquakes that have affected New Jersey and the surrounding region in recent months.
Just nine months ago, a 4.8-magnitude earthquake struck Tewksbury, New Jersey, marking the strongest earthquake recorded in the state in 240 years. That earthquake produced more than 200 aftershocks, some of which were felt as far as New York City and Rockland County.
Following the April quake, scientists discovered a previously unknown fault line that may explain why the tremor was more strongly felt in surrounding parts of New Jersey and New York, than in some areas closer to its epicenter.
Seismologists emphasize that while earthquakes in New Jersey are uncommon, they are not unheard of. The region sits near the Ramapo Fault, a major fault system that runs through New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.
How Friday’s Earthquake Compares to April’s 4.8 Quake
The April 2024 earthquake in Tewksbury and Friday’s earthquake in Paramus differ in three key ways: magnitude, location, and depth.
- Magnitude
- The April 2024 earthquake was 251 times stronger than Friday’s 2.4-magnitude tremor.
- In terms of energy released, the April earthquake was nearly 4,000 times stronger than Friday’s quake.
- Location
- April’s earthquake struck in Tewksbury, Hunterdon County, while Friday’s was centered in Paramus, Bergen County.
- Both are near the Ramapo Fault, which has long been studied for its seismic activity.
- Depth
- The April 2024 Tewksbury earthquake occurred at a depth of just 1.62 miles, meaning more of its energy reached the surface, making it more intense and widespread.
- Friday’s Paramus earthquake occurred at a depth of 4.78 miles, meaning more of its energy was absorbed by the earth, reducing its felt intensity.
Why Small Earthquakes Are Felt More Widely in the East
Even though Friday’s quake was relatively minor, it was felt over a broad area, including parts of New Jersey, Rockland County, and New York City. Seismologists explain that earthquakes on the East Coast tend to be felt more widely than those on the West Coast due to differences in geological structure.
- In the Western U.S., the constant movement of mountain ranges crushes rocks, making it harder for seismic energy to travel long distances.
- In the Eastern U.S., the bedrock is denser and more intact, allowing earthquake energy to travel farther with less resistance.
- This is why a small earthquake in New Jersey can be felt across multiple counties, while a similar earthquake in California might go largely unnoticed.
Rockland County Residents React to Tremors
Several Rockland County residents reported feeling weak shaking or hearing a faint rumble following the earthquake in Paramus.
Residents in Ramapo, Nyack, and Pearl River mentioned feeling brief vibrations but were unsure whether it was an earthquake until checking online.
“Just saw two dogs running down the road” said Michael, a local Rocklander, using his trademark nod to various articles posted lately to Rockland News. (Thanks.)
While the effects were minor, the event serves as a reminder that seismic activity in the region is possible, even though large earthquakes remain rare.
Did You Feel It? Report to USGS
According to News 12, if you experienced the earthquake, the USGS wants to hear from you. You can submit a Felt Report on their website at USGS Earthquake Event Page.
Rockland News will continue to monitor seismic activity in the area. If you have a personal experience to share about Friday’s earthquake, reach out to us here.