Rare 4.8-magnitude earthquake hits New Jersey

Shaking was felt in New York City. Credit: AP

An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 4.8 hit New Jersey on Friday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said.

Residents reported experiencing a rumbling and shaking in nearby New York City and surrounding areas.

The US Geological Survey reported a 4.8-magnitude quake

A 4.8 magnitude earthquake is shown hitting the US eastcoast.

The epicentre of the quake was near Lebanon, New Jersey, with figures from the USGS indicating that it might have been felt by more than 42 million people.

The New York Fire Department said there were no initial reports of any damage.

A flight from Minneapolis to Philadelphia was reportedly diverted due to the quake.

A live broadcast on MLB Central was interrupted by the quake, with a host asking "Are we having an earthquake? Seriously. Are we having an earthquake?"

Meanwhile, video footage from atop the Statue of Liberty, in New York, showed how the quake shook the famous monument, while tourists walked below.

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