New York, New York – A rare Midwest earthquake early Tuesday is now putting New York on alert as a blast of Arctic air drives temperatures sharply lower, creating conditions that can trigger frost quakes during the coldest overnight hours.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, a 3.5 magnitude earthquake struck central Illinois shortly before 2 a.m. Tuesday, centered roughly 35 miles south of Springfield. The shallow quake was felt across a wide portion of Illinois, with thousands reporting shaking and loud rumbles before sunrise. While no damage was reported, seismic events of this size are uncommon in the Midwest, drawing attention as extreme cold spreads east.
As the deep freeze reaches New York, geologists warn that rapid temperature drops can cause frost quakes, also known as cryoseisms. These occur when moisture in the ground freezes suddenly, forcing soil and rock to crack. The result can be a sharp boom or brief shaking that may rattle homes, garages, and vehicles, often overnight.
Upstate New York, including Albany, Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo, may be especially vulnerable as temperatures fall well below normal following recent snow and wet ground conditions. Parts of the Hudson Valley and interior sections of the state could also see isolated incidents as the cold intensifies. Frost quakes are shallow and localized but can crack pavement, foundations, and underground pipes.
State emergency officials emphasize that frost quakes are not tied to fault lines and do not signal larger earthquakes. Still, residents are encouraged to stay alert, inspect property if shaking is felt, and report loud booms or ground movement to local authorities or the USGS. With dangerous cold expected to linger through midweek, additional alerts or advisories may follow as conditions continue to evolve.
