3.1-magnitude earthquake hits New Jersey, USGS says

A 3.1-magnitude earthquake struck New Jersey, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

WABC logo
Wednesday, September 9, 2020
NJ quake: 3.1 temblor hits Freehold, New Jersey
There were no immediate reports of damage or injury, but the early morning quake sparked plenty of reaction on social media.

EAST FREEHOLD, N.J. -- A 3.1-magnitude earthquake struck near East Freehold, New Jersey, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The earthquake was reported Wednesday around 2 a.m. on the East Coast, according to the USGS.

USGS said the temblor was centered 1.25 miles south-southeast of East Freehold. It struck at a depth of 3.1 miles.

Shaking and loud bangs were reported, but no injuries or serious damage were immediately reported. Social media, mostly from central New Jersey residents, reported they thought something hit the house or a low flying plane.

Sam Champion has details on the 3.1 magnitutde temblor felt in many parts of the Tri-State early Wednesday morning.

The quake was felt "in much of central New Jersey," according to the National Weather Service.

The earthquake, although small, is also relatively uncommon in the region. A 3.1 earthquake was reported in a 10 mile radius of Freehold in 1992. On Aug. 23, 2011, a 5.8 magnitude earthquake in central Virginia shook buildings in New Jersey.

ABC7 has compiled a list of items that are important to have in your earthquake kit so that you're prepared for "the big one."
Copyright © 2024 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.