Residents in New Jersey are currently talking about the recent 2.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Hillsdale around noon, as noted by the U.S. Geological Survey. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries from this seismic event, which was felt across the tri-state area.
Many residents were taken by surprise. Jimmy, who resides near the train tracks but not in Hillsdale, initially thought the tremors were caused by a passing train. “There was no train going by, so clearly something happened, but we weren’t really sure what it was,” he recounted. The sensation of an earthquake, although minor in magnitude, can be jarring for East Coast residents who are not accustomed to such occurrences.
“It’s like a role reversal between us and the West Coast, which is kind of mind-numbing and a little concerning,” reflected Theresa Alesso, a resident of nearby Washington Township. Her comment underscores a growing awareness among New Jerseyans about the region’s seismicity.
The earthquake on Tuesday is believed to be an aftershock of a more significant event that occurred on Saturday in Hasbrouck Heights. Seismologist Ken Miller from Rutgers University explained that both quakes are likely linked to activity along a fault line that has exhibited movement close to Tewksbury, where a notable earthquake took place back in April 2024.
This year, New Jersey has experienced a total of 17 earthquakes and aftershocks, most of which went unnoticed. However, the recent events have led community members to share their experiences, with some describing the sensation akin to being hit by two trucks or the vibrations typically felt when a train passes.
Looking ahead, Ken Miller advises that residents should prepare for additional aftershocks in the coming week or two. Although many of these are expected to be smaller than the recent 2.7 magnitude quake, some may not even be perceptible.
As the community adjusts to this unusual phenomenon, these interactions foster a sense of connection among residents dealing with the unexpected reality of earthquakes on the East Coast. This situation underscores both the importance of geological awareness and the resilience of communities when faced with natural events.