Earthquakes Near Newark Today
Live answer from USGS data — every earthquake within 150 km (93 mi) of Newark, New Jersey.
Checking live USGS data near Newark…
Why Newark gets earthquakes
New Jersey delivered the East Coast's biggest seismic surprise in decades: the April 5, 2024 M4.8 earthquake near Tewksbury in Hunterdon County, followed by an M3.8 aftershock that evening and dozens of smaller ones. It was New Jersey's strongest quake since 1783 and was felt from Virginia to Maine.
Newark sits at the eastern edge of the Newark Basin, whose ancient rift-era faults — including the Ramapo fault along the basin's northwest margin — occasionally reactivate. Quakes here are infrequent and usually small, but the 2024 sequence shows moderate events remain possible.
Newark earthquake FAQ
▸Did Newark just have an earthquake?
The live panel at the top of this page checks the USGS catalog for every earthquake within 150 km of Newark and answers in one line. Keep in mind USGS data lags real shaking by roughly 2–3 minutes in California and up to ~8 minutes in other regions — if you felt something seconds ago, refresh shortly.
▸What faults cause earthquakes near Newark?
The Ramapo fault and other ancient Newark Basin rift faults are the main structures near Newark. The 2024 M4.8 Tewksbury earthquake — New Jersey's largest since 1783 — occurred among these old faults about 35 miles west of the city.
▸What magnitude earthquake can you feel in Newark, NJ?
Close to the epicenter, people typically begin to feel earthquakes around magnitude 2.5–3.0. An M4+ is felt across a wide area and rattles objects; M5+ can damage buildings near the epicenter. Shallow quakes feel stronger than deep ones of the same magnitude, and soft soils amplify shaking.
▸What should I do if I feel an earthquake in Newark?
Drop, Cover, and Hold On — get low, take cover under sturdy furniture, and hold on until shaking stops. Afterward, check for hazards like gas leaks, and expect possible aftershocks. If you're in a coastal area and the shaking is strong or lasts a long time, move inland or to high ground. Official guidance: ready.gov/earthquakes.