Has New York City Ever Had An Earthquake

**Largest Earthquakes to Strike New York City** The recent magnitude-4.8 earthquake that rattled New York City was the third strongest to hit the region since 1950. The largest earthquakes to ever strike the city, however, were two magnitude-5.8 events in 1884. **Correction to Previous Report** An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that the magnitude-5.8 earthquakes in 1884 had magnitudes of 2.8. The correct magnitude is 5.8. **Historical Context** According to the New York Times, the 2024 earthquake was the largest to hit the New York City area in 140 years. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) assigned it a magnitude of 4.8, making it the third strongest earthquake within a 250-mile radius of the city since 1950. **Recent Earthquake Activity** In addition to the 1884 and 2024 earthquakes, New York City has experienced several smaller earthquakes in recent years. In 2001, the city felt a magnitude-2.6 earthquake, and in 2018, a magnitude-3.3 earthquake shook the area. **Ongoing Monitoring** The USGS continues to monitor seismic activity in the New York City area. While major earthquakes are rare in the region, scientists are urging residents to be prepared for future events. Residents should develop earthquake preparedness plans, secure heavy objects, and know where to go for shelter if an earthquake occurs.