Hillsdale, N.J. – A minor earthquake struck just southwest of Hillsdale on Tuesday afternoon, sending tremors across parts of northern New Jersey, the lower Hudson Valley, and even into parts of New York City. Though no damage was reported, over 2,400 residents submitted “Did You Feel It?” responses to the USGS after the 2.7 magnitude quake.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake hit at 12:11 p.m. EDT, with a depth of 12.4 kilometers and an epicenter located 2 kilometers southwest of Hillsdale. The shaking was felt across Bergen County, parts of Rockland and Westchester counties, and as far as Poughkeepsie and Bridgeport.
Local emergency services reported no injuries or infrastructure concerns, but North Jersey’s rare seismic activity caught thousands off guard. Many residents described the sensation as a “quick jolt” or “deep rumble,” lasting just a few seconds.
This marks the second earthquake in the region in less than a week, following a smaller tremor early Sunday. While the Northeast is not known for seismic activity, Tuesday’s event underscores the occasional tectonic shifts that ripple through the Appalachian region.
No aftershocks have been reported as of Tuesday evening, but local officials remain in contact with the USGS for monitoring.
