By Staff

April 5, 2024 (updated at 6:15pm):  If you were in your home or out and about at 10:23 this morning, you may have felt an unusual shaking on the ground.  

It has been reported that this was a 4.7 magnitude earthquake that hit parts of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania. According to Michigan Technological University, an earthquake with a magnitude of "2.5 to 4.8" is "often felt but only causes minor damage."

You may have also felt additional shaking around 6pm in what's being described as a 4.0 aftershock. It has also been reported that additional aftershocks are possible.

Governor Hochul said that this was the most powerful earthquake felt by the East Coast since at least 2011 and the strongest to hit the East Coast directly in the last century.

According to a news release from the office of Westchester County Executive George Latimer at 11:50 this morning, they had received "no reports of damage."  They are advising that residents "check for gas or water leaks, or any structural damage to their homes."

Bronxville Police Chief Satriale said, "While it is unlikely that we will see damage from the earthquake, we encourage you to check your home or business for potential issues. If you smell the odor of natural gas, please leave your home immediately and call 911 from outside your home. If you have any damage that requires immediate attention please call the police desk at 914-337-0500."

According to the US Geological Society, the earthquake is caused by "a sudden slip on a fault. The tectonic plates are always slowly moving, but they get stuck at their edges due to friction. When the stress on the edge overcomes the friction, there is an earthquake that releases energy in waves that travel through the earth's crust and cause the shaking that we feel."

MyhometownBronxville will update this report as more information comes in.