Minor Earthquake Reported in Morris County as New Jersey Records Sixth Tremor of 2026
A small earthquake was recorded in northern New Jersey early Tuesday afternoon, with residents in several communities reporting weak shaking across parts of Morris, Hunterdon, and Somerset counties.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the earthquake measured magnitude 1.8 and struck around 1:30 p.m. The tremor was centered roughly one mile southeast of Long Valley in Washington Township, Morris County. Officials said the quake occurred at a depth of about 3.1 miles below the surface.
While the earthquake was relatively minor, dozens of people reported feeling light shaking shortly after the tremor occurred. Most reports came from communities close to the epicenter, including Califon, Lebanon Borough, Long Valley, Chester Borough, Bedminster, and Far Hills. One person in Warminster, Pennsylvania, also reported feeling the shaking despite being more than 40 miles away from the epicenter.
The latest event marks the sixth earthquake detected in New Jersey so far in 2026. Seismic activity in the region has remained low-level this year, but several small tremors have been recorded across parts of the state during recent months.
Earlier this spring, a micro earthquake was detected near Whitehouse Station in Hunterdon County on April 22. That tremor occurred close to the location where another small earthquake measuring magnitude 1.3 was reported on March 8.
Experts generally classify earthquakes of this size as minor events that rarely cause damage, though they can still be felt by nearby residents. In many cases, weak shaking may last only a few seconds before fading.
New Jersey does not experience major earthquakes frequently compared to some western states, but smaller seismic events are occasionally recorded throughout the region. Geological experts continue monitoring activity through regional seismic networks and public reports from residents who feel shaking.
Tuesday’s tremor did not result in any immediate reports of injuries or structural damage. Local and federal monitoring agencies continue to track seismic activity across the Northeast as part of routine observation efforts.
Sources:
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
New Jersey regional seismic activity records
