Imagine thinking the ground beneath your feet is finally steady—only for it to start trembling again a few days later.
That’s exactly what folks in New Jersey and nearby New York experienced this week as another earthquake shook the region.
Tuesday’s Quake Catches People Off Guard
Just before lunchtime on Tuesday, a 2.7-magnitude earthquake hit near Hillsdale, New Jersey.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the quake struck around 12:12 p.m. ET, and while it wasn’t particularly strong, it was definitely noticeable.
This tremor came on the heels of a slightly stronger quake—magnitude 3.0—that rocked the same area just four days earlier on Saturday night.
That first quake originated just about 11 miles away from Tuesday’s.
Shaking Felt Across New York and New Jersey
Even though the latest quake wasn’t major, it still made its presence known.
People across northern New Jersey and parts of New York City reported feeling the shaking.
According to USGS data, more than 400 people submitted reports within minutes, describing light to weak movement.
Communities like Park Ridge, Ridgewood, and Hudson Valley all experienced tremors.
Even residents as far out as Upstate New York and Rye—roughly 30 miles from Manhattan—felt the ground move beneath them.
Residents Take to Social Media With Reactions
As with most modern-day surprises, people wasted no time turning to social media to share their reactions.
One Bergen County resident wrote, “Earthquake again, the whole house shook in Bergen County.” Another person commented, “Two earthquakes in just a few days here in Bergen County. Saturday night brought a 3.0 magnitude quake.
Today, another struck at 2.7 near Hillsdale. Just a tad bit unsettling.”
Others chimed in from places like Rockland and Irvington, also reporting the odd, unnerving sensation of the ground shifting.
Officials Say No Damage, But Aftershocks Are Possible
Thankfully, the magnitude of Tuesday’s quake wasn’t enough to cause damage or injury.
Officials have reassured residents that quakes of this size are typically harmless.
That said, the USGS did issue a gentle warning: aftershocks could still happen—maybe minutes, hours, or even days later.
It’s a reminder that even small earthquakes can come with surprises.
A Rare Earthquake Double Whammy in the Northeast
Earthquakes are relatively rare in the Northeast, which is what makes two of them in one week feel extra eerie for locals.
While California might be used to this sort of thing, New Jersey residents aren’t quite as familiar with the sudden jolt of an earthquake.
So, while the ground may have settled—for now—many in the region are keeping an eye (and a coffee cup) out for any unexpected rumbles.