3.8 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes New England, Shaking Parts of Boston, Maine, and New Hampshire
A geological survey agency confirmed that a 3.8 magnitude earthquake rattled parts of New England, with tremors felt as far as Boston. Social media was quickly flooded with videos capturing the quake’s impact, showing the moment buildings and landscapes shook.
Residents across the region reported experiencing the tremor on Monday morning. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred at 10:22 a.m. local time (15:22 UTC) and was centered approximately 10 kilometers southeast of York Harbor, Maine. This marks a rare but not unprecedented seismic event in the area.
Affected Areas and Reports of the Quake
The tremor was widely felt across southern Maine and parts of New Hampshire. USGS data confirmed that areas most affected included York Harbor, York Beach, and Wells Beach Station in Maine. Additionally, cities in neighboring New Hampshire, including Portsmouth and Concord, also reported experiencing shaking.
NEW: An 3.8 magnitude earthquake centered off the coast of Maine rattles the region, causing light to moderate shaking in the state — as well as in parts of Rhode Island, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. https://t.co/SI5eMmiwlX
— Breaking News (@BreakingNews) January 27, 2025
According to the York County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), which released a statement on X (formerly Twitter), residents throughout the county felt the effects of the earthquake. The agency reassured the public that while the tremor was noticeable, there was no immediate cause for alarm.
Fox Weather and other news outlets reported that the earthquake’s reach extended beyond Maine and New Hampshire. Some Boston residents noted light shaking, emphasizing how seismic activity, even at a relatively moderate magnitude, can be felt over a large geographic area.
Shocking Footage Captures the Moment
The earthquake’s impact was caught on several cameras, with videos surfacing online that showcased the tremor in real-time. A notable recording came from a webcam at the Stage Neck Inn, which overlooks York Harbor Beach. The footage shows the ground and structures visibly shaking as the quake passed through the region.
Boston 25 News interviewed residents who described the quake as sounding “like a freight train.” Some reported hearing a deep rumbling sound before their homes started shaking. Meanwhile, CBS Boston shared a viral video where a person was seen in bed, startled as the room suddenly shook. A cat near the window was also caught reacting to the tremor, jumping in response to the unexpected movement.
Officials Respond, Urging Calm and Preparedness
Following reports of the quake, local emergency agencies acted quickly to inform and reassure the public. York County EMA advised residents not to call 911 unless they were experiencing an actual emergency. Officials stressed the importance of keeping emergency lines open for urgent situations, particularly since the earthquake itself did not result in any immediate threats to public safety.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Weather Service also weighed in, confirming that there was no tsunami threat associated with this earthquake. This announcement helped ease concerns, as earthquakes in coastal areas sometimes raise fears of potential secondary hazards like tsunamis.
Possibility of Aftershocks and Safety Recommendations
While the primary quake has passed, aftershocks remain a possibility. According to the USGS, there is a 13% chance of an aftershock measuring magnitude 3.0 or higher occurring in the next week. However, the likelihood of a stronger aftershock, such as one exceeding magnitude 5.0, is considered extremely low—less than 1%.
Aftershock activity generally diminishes over time, but scientists caution that minor tremors may persist for weeks or even months. Although earthquakes of this magnitude are not typically destructive, they serve as reminders that seismic activity can occur anywhere, even in regions where it is less common.
Experts advise residents to stay prepared and practice earthquake safety protocols. The standard “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” method is recommended if another tremor occurs. This means dropping to the ground, taking cover under a sturdy piece of furniture, and holding on until the shaking stops.
New England’s Seismic History and the Rarity of Earthquakes in the Region
While New England is not known for frequent or intense seismic activity, earthquakes do occasionally occur in the region. Historical records indicate that small to moderate earthquakes have taken place in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts over the years. However, a 3.8 magnitude earthquake is still relatively uncommon, making Monday’s tremor a significant event for local residents.
Geologists explain that the region sits on what is known as an intraplate fault system, meaning that while it is not located along a major tectonic boundary like the West Coast’s San Andreas Fault, stresses in the Earth’s crust can still cause occasional quakes. Unlike California or Japan, where earthquakes happen frequently due to active tectonic plates, New England’s quakes are more sporadic and typically not as powerful.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Earthquake Preparedness
Although Monday’s earthquake did not cause any reported injuries or major damage, it serves as a wake-up call for residents in the region to be aware of earthquake safety. Emergency management agencies encourage the public to stay informed and have a preparedness plan in place.
With the possibility of aftershocks lingering over the next few days, officials remind everyone to remain vigilant but not alarmed. By following safety guidelines and staying updated with official sources, residents can ensure they are ready for any future seismic activity in the area.