An earthquake measuring 3.8 in magnitude was felt across Boston and surrounding areas this morning, centered off York Harbor, Maine, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The tremor struck at 10:22 a.m., with preliminary readings initially indicating a magnitude of 4.1 and later being adjusted to 3.9 before stabilizing at 3.8.
John Ebel, a senior scientist at the Weston Observatory in Boston, commented that such seismic activity is a rare occurrence for the region, noting, “This is like a once-in-every-five-years kind of earthquake.” Despite its strength, there was no tsunami threat indicated for the New England area, confirmed by the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center.
The earthquake, approximately eight miles underground, caused noticeable shaking for several seconds. Reports from residents indicated varying experiences of the quake’s intensity, with WBZ-TV anchor David Wade describing a significant shake lasting between five to ten seconds. Anna Fletcher, working from her home in Milton, reported a noticeable quake that prompted her to check her surroundings.
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency received reports of shaking throughout the state but confirmed there were no immediate damage reports. They reminded residents of earthquake safety protocols, advising them to “drop, cover and hold on.”
Ebel indicated the possibility of aftershocks in the coming days, which could be felt across northern coastal areas. He noted that aftershocks could reach magnitudes of 2.8 to 3.1, potentially impacting residents in Massachusetts and coastal New Hampshire.
In Maine, initial emergency responses noted confusion, with dispatchers receiving calls about what many initially thought may have been an explosion. One resident, Nancy Begert, recounted feeling her workplace shake but confirmed minimal impact, stating, “One of the girls in another room had something fall off the desk, but no damage.”
Overall, while seismic events are relatively rare in New England, today’s earthquake serves as a reminder of the natural forces that can impact the region, and a moment for preparedness.