Sleepy Hollow, New York, was the epicenter of a 2.3 magnitude earthquake that rattled parts of Westchester County Tuesday morning, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The tremor, reported at approximately 10:17 a.m. Eastern, occurred about 4.5 miles beneath the surface and roughly 25 miles north of New York City.
While minor, the earthquake was felt by over 1,200 people who reported their experiences to the USGS. Residents described a sudden shaking sensation, with some reporting a loud bang resembling a truck passing by. The event serves as a reminder of the seismic activity possible in the region, though officials emphasize that quakes of this magnitude rarely cause significant damage.
Residents Report Shaking and Loud Noises
The experience varied among those who felt the earthquake. Steve Frasene, who was at physical therapy in Pleasantville, described a “big bang” and a shaking building, initially suspecting a passing truck. Rosemary Almonte, also experiencing the tremor, initially thought a crash had occurred nearby before realizing it was shaking. Sarika Singh recounted feeling the ground shake unexpectedly, while Noemi Rosa felt her bed shake while lying in bed. Other residents described sensations ranging from feeling like someone was drilling in their house to a slight shaking of their feet, as reported by Ray Bynoe.
Smaller Than Previous East Coast Earthquake
This event is significantly smaller than a 4.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Tewksbury, New Jersey, in 2024, sending shockwaves throughout the East Coast. According to the USGS, the 2024 quake released approximately 5,000 times more energy than Tuesday’s tremor. The Richter Scale, which measures earthquake magnitude from 1 to 9, categorizes quakes below 3.0 as relatively weak.
The area is situated near the Ramapo Fault, an active fault line extending from Pennsylvania through New Jersey and into New York. This fault system is responsible for a number of small earthquakes each year, though most go unnoticed. New York City Emergency Management officials stated that while the Bronx may have experienced brief shaking, no impacts were expected in New York City. Westchester County officials have confirmed no reports of damage at this time.
Official Response and Safety Information
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins noted the event as a reminder of the region’s susceptibility to seismic activity, underscoring the importance of safety considerations. Officials at the former Indian Point site are conducting precautionary site surveys. For those seeking more information about earthquake preparedness and safety measures, resources are available here.
The USGS continues to review data related to the earthquake, and updates to the reported magnitude and shake-severity map may be issued as more information becomes available. Chief Meteorologist Lee Goldberg of ABC7 noted that the rock composition on the East Coast can cause earthquakes to be felt over larger areas compared to the West Coast.
As seismologists continue to monitor the region, residents are encouraged to remain aware of their surroundings and familiarize themselves with earthquake safety protocols. The event highlights the importance of preparedness, even in areas not traditionally associated with significant seismic activity.
Share your experience in the comments below, and aid us spread awareness about earthquake preparedness in the region.
