A 3.8-magnitude earthquake rattled the Northeast early Monday, sending tremors through several states and catching residents by surprise. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the quake occurred at 10:22 AM near York Harbor, Maine, and was felt as far away as Boston and Portland.
The earthquake's depth was reported at over eight miles underground, and its brief duration—about five to eight seconds—left many residents describing the event as intense. One resident from Methuen, Massachusetts, recounted, "It was pretty intense for something small and brief," noting the loud bangs during the tremor. Others, like individuals from Newburyport, reported similar experiences, with many feeling the shakes and some relatives across state lines also experiencing the quake.
Initially, the USGS had reported the quake's magnitude as 4.1, but it was soon adjusted to 3.8 after more data was analyzed. This earthquake is among the few recorded along the Atlantic Coast, with the USGS commenting, "Today’s M3.8 near Bar [York] Harbor, Maine, reminds us..." the agency noted earthquakes, though unusual, can transpire along this coastline.
The quake's effects were widespread; shaking reached various areas, reported not only from Maine but stretching through New Hampshire and even as far south as Providence, Rhode Island. Cameras positioned on York Harbor Beach captured the shaking moment, showing how deep the tremors were felt along the beautiful coast.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul acknowledged the reports of tremors resulting from the quake, stating on X, "the state received reports of tremors... but no reports of damage so far." Similarly, officials from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency confirmed there were no injuries or damages reported.
This earthquake follows another significant seismic event—a 4.8-magnitude earthquake near Lebanon, New Jersey, last April, which had been felt by millions. The USGS noted at the time, this represented the strongest seismic activity near the region in over a century.
Though no tsunami warning was issued following the Maine earthquake, the event serves as a reminder of the geological activity along the Atlantic Seaboard. Aftershocks are typically expected following such events, with the potential for additional tremors to occur days, weeks, or even years later. Historically, these aftershocks can be of equal or larger magnitude, continually impacting affected areas.
Residents across New England are still processing this unusual event. Earthquakes are seldom felt along the Atlantic coastline, prompting discussions about safety and preparedness for any future seismic activities. This quake, though minor on the Richter scale, has certainly piqued the interest of local geologists and brought the discussion of earthquake readiness back to the forefront of community conversations.