Buffalo, New York –A small earthquake rumbled through western New York early Monday morning, alerting people in areas unaccustomed to such tremors, but apparently not causing any serious damage.
The U.S. Geological Survey preliminarily reported a magnitude 3.8 earthquake with an epicenter east of Buffalo, West Seneca, at about 6:15 a.m. Seismologist Yaareb Altawiel said the quake matched the intensity of the strongest quake observed in the region in 40 years of available records, a magnitude 3.8 quake recorded in November 1999.
The tremor lasted several seconds, prompting residents to head to their windows and then to social media for an explanation.
Erie County Executive Mark Polonkers tweeted: “I felt like my car had crashed into my Buffalo house. I jumped out of bed.”
as soon as you hang up @ErieCountyESU Butcher confirmed that initial reports felt the quake as far north as Niagara Falls and as far south as Orchard Park. It felt like a car had crashed into a Buffalo house. I jumped out of bed. https://t.co/6viSAUQ4us
— Mark Poloncarz (@markpoloncarz) February 6, 2023
Polankartz said county emergency services officials confirmed that the quake was felt in at least a 30-mile radius, including Niagara Falls, about 20 miles north of Buffalo.
“Earthquake struck Buffalo area this morning. No damage reported at this time. My team is in contact with local authorities and will provide all necessary assistance,” Gov. Kathy Hochul tweeted.
An earthquake hit the Buffalo area this morning. No damage has been reported at this time. My team is in contact with local authorities and will provide all necessary support. https://t.co/hGqus9mfck
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) February 6, 2023
The Canada quake, which recorded a magnitude 4.2 quake, was reportedly felt slightly in southern Ontario.
Minor earthquakes in the northern part of the state are not uncommon, but they are rarely felt this strongly.
The quake came on the heels of two record weather events in the region. A November blizzard that dropped seven feet of snow, and a December blizzard that is believed to have killed 47 people.
The New York earthquake occurred hours after the earthquake Hundreds killed in powerful earthquake in Türkiye and Syria. A USGS spokesperson said there was no connection between the two events.
