2.9 magnitude aftershock shakes New Jersey on Saturday morning

A 2.9 magnitude aftershock struck New Jersey Saturday morning, more than three weeks after a larger quake rattled Long Island and the rest of the tristate, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Dozens of small temblors have hit New Jersey since April 5, when a magnitude 4.8 quake shook 42 million people across the Eastern Seaboard, from as far north as Maine and as far south as Norfolk, Virginia. It was the strongest recorded quake in New Jersey in 250 years.

Saturday’s aftershock was reported at 9:49 a.m., at roughly 5.2 miles deep and centered 4.3 miles west of Gladstone, New Jersey, where other seismic activity has occurred. Gladstone is about 60 miles west of Manhattan.

Experts said aftershocks, most not noticeable, would be common for several weeks following the 4.8 quake. 

The April 5 quake had an epicenter near Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, about 45 miles west of New York City. It caused no major damage or injuries.

A smaller aftershock measuring 3.8 was felt later that day across parts of Long Island, as well as an aftershock of 2.0 about one hour after the initial quake.

A magnitude 5 quake may break windows and glassware. A 7 might damage foundations of one- and two-story wood-frame houses or damage larger buildings and shift furniture.

There is about a 5% chance of an earthquake of 4 or higher within the next year and a 34% chance of another earthquake or aftershock at magnitude 3 or higher, according to the USGS.