3.0 Magnitude Earthquake Hits New Jersey… Tremors Felt Across Greater New York
On the evening of Saturday, August 2, 2025, a light earthquake with a magnitude of 3.0 struck northern New Jersey. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred at approximately 10:18 PM local time. Its epicenter was located near the town of Hasbrouck Heights in Bergen County, at a depth of roughly 6.2 miles (10 kilometers) beneath the earth’s surface.
Though relatively minor, the tremor was widely felt across the region. Residents reported light shaking in several areas of New Jersey, including Newark, Jersey City, and Hoboken. Reports also came in from across New York City—particularly in Upper Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, and Brooklyn—as well as parts of Connecticut and Virginia.
People described the quake as a brief jolt, like a heavy object dropping or a sudden impact. Others noted hearing a loud crack or thump. While startling, the quake did not cause any injuries, fires, or major structural damage. Emergency services received calls from concerned residents, but no immediate action was needed. Social media quickly responded with memes and lighthearted commentary. One viral post from the Empire State Building’s official account simply read, “I AM FINE.”
Earthquakes are rare in this part of the United States. However, the region sits on several ancient intraplate faults, such as the Ramapo Fault, which can occasionally produce light to moderate seismic activity. These types of quakes differ from those near tectonic plate boundaries and often occur without much warning.
Just over a year ago, in April 2024, a more powerful 4.8 magnitude quake struck near Tewksbury Township, NJ, and was felt throughout the northeastern United States. That event reignited public interest in local seismic risks.
Seismologists recommend residents stay alert for possible aftershocks and review safety precautions. Securing heavy furniture, knowing safe spots to shelter indoors, and preparing emergency kits are all advised steps, even in regions not known for frequent earthquakes.
