HASBROUCK HEIGHTS, N.J. (AP) - A small earthquake shook the New York metropolitan area on Saturday night, causing a brief moment of concern among residents. The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the tremor recorded a magnitude of 3.0.

The epicenter of the quake was located in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, which lies less than 8 miles (approximately 13 kilometers) west of Central Park. The earthquake occurred at a depth of about 6.2 miles (10 kilometers), a factor that often influences the perception of the tremor felt on the surface.

Residents in the vicinity experienced a quick yet minor disturbance. A resident from Brooklyn, New York, described the sensation as a brief swaying motion that lasted only a moment. Despite the short duration, social media erupted with reactions from individuals claiming to have felt the tremor.

The official account of the Empire State Building took to the social platform X, humorously stating, “I AM FINE,” in response to inquiries about the quake, showcasing the light-hearted nature of the city’s response to the incident.

In comparison, this tremor was significantly milder than a prior earthquake that occurred in 2024, which recorded a magnitude of 4.8 and struck in Tewksbury, New Jersey, located further west of New York City. This highlights that while a 3.0 magnitude earthquake is generally considered not strong enough to cause structural damage, tremors of such mild intensity are relatively rare occurrences in the Northeast region of the United States.

New York City Emergency Management officials reported that there were no immediate indications of major impacts following the earthquake, reassuring residents that the event did not lead to significant safety concerns.

Overall, while the 3.0 magnitude earthquake was a minor event, it served as a reminder of the geological activity that can occur even in areas not typically known for seismic activity, reflecting both the resilience and awareness of urban populations in the face of natural occurrences.