A 4.8-magnitude earthquake shook New York City, upstate New York and Massachusetts on Friday morning. Multiple aftershocks followed, including a 4.0-magnitude aftershock in New Jersey that occurred around 6 p.m., Gov. Kathy Hochul said.
"We are continuing to review critical infrastructure, and there are no reports of significant damage at this time," Hochul said on social media late Friday afternoon.
The U.S. Geological Survey reported the 4.8-magnitude quake hit 4.35 miles north of Whitehouse Station, N.J. at approximately 10:23 a.m., which is about 45 miles west of New York City. There were reports that it was felt throughout upstate.
"My team is assessing impacts and any damage that may have occurred, and we will update the public throughout the day," Hochul said on social media.
The governor, in a press conference later Friday morning, said an earthquake of this magnitude had not been felt in New York since 2011. She said she has been in contact with both New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, and has also been in communication with the White House.
"It's been a very unsettling day, to say the least," Hochul said.
Officials said no "life-threatening situations" had been reported as of yet.
The morning earthquake was followed by multiple aftershocks, including a 1.8-magnitude at 12:31 p.m., 2.0-magnitude at 1:14 p.m., a 2.0-magnitude at around 3 p.m. and the 4.0-magnitude one, the governor said.
"Aftershocks of these sizes are normal and are not expected to cause further damage," she said.
Emergency services across the region confirmed the earthquake was felt locally, but have not received reports of damage.
Both JFK and Newark, N.J., airports issued ground stops minutes after the earthquake. Albany International Airport confirmed that there "has been no impact to air service" and operations remain normal. Three flights arriving at Syracuse Hancock International Airport from Newark were delayed.
Amtrak and MTA trains are still on a full schedule with no disruption, according to Hochul.
There is no prediction of possible aftershocks, as they can't be forecast, but state officials said they're monitoring USGS information.
"We're always ready. We have planning in place," Hochul said. "These are emerging situations. It could be over, but also there could be another effect, and we have to be prepared for that."