PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — The United States Geological Survey says a 4.8 magnitude earthquake was observed today in North Jersey on Friday around 10:23 a.m. about seven kilometers from Whitehouse Station, New Jersey.
Shaking from the earthquake was felt in the city of Philadelphia, South Jersey and Delaware. Lebanon is in Hunterdon County, New Jersey and closer to New York City.
Whitehouse Station is about a 61.5-mile drive from Philadelphia.
Shaking was also reportedly felt in Boston, Massachusetts, and calls into our newsroom said it was also felt in Burlington, Vermont.
Officials urge residents not to call 911
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said the state has activated the Emergency Operations Center and urged 911 calls to be reserved for emergencies.
Our region just experienced an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 4.7, with an epicenter near Readington in Hunterdon County.
We have activated our State Emergency Operations Center. Please do not call 911 unless you have an actual emergency. https://t.co/Szt5fWyIs9
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) April 5, 2024
The Philadelphia Police Department is urging people not to call 911 about the earthquake.
***We are aware of multiple reports of seismic activity across the city. UNLESS YOU ARE REPORTING AN EMERGENCY, PLEASE DO NOT CALL 911***
— Philadelphia Police Department (@PhillyPolice) April 5, 2024
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said he is monitoring the situation along with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.
A 4.8 magnitude earthquake hit New Jersey and was felt in parts of Pennsylvania.
My team and @PEMAHQ are actively monitoring the situation and in contact with counties on any damage. We will keep Pennsylvanians updated.— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) April 5, 2024
NJ Transit, PATCO delays
PATCO has suspended service while they inspect the integrity of the line out of an abundance of caution following the earthquake. There is currently no word on how long the inspection will take.
⚠️PATCO SERVICE SUSPENDED
Due to the earthquake in our area, all PATCO service is suspended at this time. Crews will inspect the integrity of the line out of an abundance of caution. Once inspection is complete, service will resume. No timeframe. Updates to follow.— PATCO (@RidePATCO) April 5, 2024
NJ Transit is also delaying trains for up to 20 minutes so bridges can be inspected for safety following the earthquake.
Rail service system-wide is subject to up to 20-minute delays in both directions due to bridge inspections following an earlier earthquake.
— NJ TRANSIT (@NJTRANSIT) April 5, 2024
SEPTA says its service has not been disrupted.
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This is a developing story and will be updated.
Hasn’t rained yet today in Philly so here’s an earthquake to balance it out.
— Pat Gallen (@PatGallenCBS3) April 5, 2024