Earthquake felt in Woodstown and Pilesgrove

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed at 4.8 earthquake originating in Hunterdon County, N.J. It was felt throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

WOODSTOWN — Did you feel it?

A convulsion rattled Woodstown and Pilesgrove late Friday morning, rumbling floors, shaking walls, and jittering us all onto the internet.

The 4.8 earthquake originated in Whitehouse Station, N.J., an unincorporated community in Readington Township in Hunterdon County — Northwest New Jersey — according to the United States Geological Survey. It was felt around 10:24 a.m.

Early reports indicate the earthquake was felt in New York City, Philadelphia, and other parts of Pennsylvania. Though unconfirmed, some are reporting the earthquake was felt as far north as Rhode Island and as far south as Baltimore, M.D.

"Our region just experienced an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 4.7, with an epicenter near Readington in Hunterdon County." N.J. Gov. Phil Murphy wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

"We have activated our State Emergency Operations Center," the governor added. "Please do not call 911 unless you have an actual emergency."

The New York Times confirmed several airports halted air traffic and issued ground stops following the quake. 

A 4.8 earthquake is considered somewhat significant. According to the Michigan Technological University Earthquake Magnitude Scale, an earthquake ranging between 2.5 to 5.4 on the Richter scale  is "often felt, but only causes minor damage."

The last significant earthquake in this region measured 5.8 on the Richter scale. It occurred on August 23, 2011 and originated in Louisa County, Virginia. It was felt as far as New England.

Nick "Nor'Easter Nick" Pittman, a South Jersey meteorologist, wrote on Facebook: This was INDEED the strongest Earthquake that has ORIGINATED in NJ since the 1700s. The 5.8m earthquake in 2011 originated in VIRGINIA and felt in NJ."

Here are some helpful tips on how to stay safe, according to Ready.gov:

How to stay safe based on location:

1. If you are in a car, pull over and stop. Set your parking brake.

2. If you are in bed, turn face down and cover your head and neck with a pillow.

3. If you are outdoors, stay outdoors away from buildings.

4. If you are inside, stay and do not run outside and avoid doorways.

How to protect yourself:

1. Drop (or Lock)

Wherever you are, drop down to your hands and knees and hold onto something sturdy. If you’re using a wheelchair or walker with a seat, make sure your wheels are locked and remain seated until the shaking stops.

2. Cover

Cover your head and neck with your arms. If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for shelter. If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall (away from windows). Crawl only if you can reach better cover without going through an area with more debris. Stay on your knees or bent over to protect vital organs.

3. Hold On

If you are under a table or desk, hold on with one hand and be ready to move with it if it moves. If seated and unable to drop to the floor, bend forward, cover your head with your arms and hold on to your neck with both hands. 

Click here for detailed information on how to stay safe during an earthquake. 

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Email Jim Cook at WoodstownCrier@gmail.com