A small earthquake struck part of North Jersey on October 20, marking the state’s first quake since August, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
The 1.6-magnitude tremor was recorded mid-afternoon, at 2:46 p.m. The quake struck about 1.2 miles east-northeast of Califon in Hunterdon County. The quake occurred roughly three miles below ground. No significant damage or injuries were reported.
By Wednesday morning, the USGS had received close to 20 reports from residents who felt light shaking. Most came from Califon, with additional reports from Long Valley, Far Hills, Basking Ridge, Lebanon, Beverly and Nutley.
The quake, which felt like weak shaking similar to the vibrations of a passing truck, was rated as a Level III event on the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale.
While earthquakes in New Jersey are uncommon, they are not rare. NJ sits near the Ramapo Fault, an ancient fracture zone that occasionally produces small earthquakes. Most are minor, unable to be felt beyond the immediate area.
In total, the USGS has logged 27 earthquakes in New Jersey so far this year. None have exceeded the magnitude 4.8 quake that struck Tewksbury in April 2024—the strongest in the state in more than a century. That particular earthquake was felt by millions along the East Coast. It generated hundreds of aftershocks in the weeks that followed.
Experts say the perception of increased activity is often tied to improved seismic monitoring and more widespread public reporting. The USGS notes that temporary fluctuations in seismicity are normal and not a sign of a larger event.
Monday’s earthquake is a reminder that even low-risk regions like New Jersey remain seismically active, though most quakes pass quietly beneath the surface.
So, did you feel the NJ earthquake?
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.