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New Jersey experienced another aftershock on Wednesday morning, marking the 46th since last Friday's 4.8 magnitude earthquake. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the aftershock, which measured 2.6 in magnitude, occurred southwest of Gladstone, a town in Somerset County.
Last week's earthquake, centered in Hunterdon County, was felt from Philadelphia to New York City and beyond. It's estimated that more than 42 million people might have felt the quake. Since then, the state has been rattled by a series of aftershocks, all centered near the epicenter of Friday's quake at Whitehouse Station in Hunterdon County.
The strongest aftershock so far reached a magnitude of 3.8 near Gladstone, just before 6 p.m. on Friday. Other notable tremors included four aftershocks reported across Hunterdon County on Monday and three more on Tuesday, with magnitudes of 1.3, 1.4, and 1.5.
USGS research geologist Alex Hatem explained that aftershocks like these are expected in the days, weeks, and months following the main shock. The USGS predicts there will be smaller aftershocks through Sunday, with one potentially reaching a magnitude 3 or higher. However, the chance of another quake reaching a magnitude of 5 or higher is less than 1%.
While the chance of New York City feeling another shake is low, a light shake could be possible in the coming days. However, nothing is expected to match the intensity of the quake that rocked the Statue of Liberty and City Hall last Friday, or the aftershock that rippled through later that evening.