Overview
- A magnitude 1.6 earthquake occurred just after 5:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 22, 2026, about 3 miles southeast of Randolph at roughly 6 miles depth, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.
- Local authorities and news outlets say there are no reports of damage from the quake.
- The USGS has recorded nine earthquakes in New Jersey so far in 2026, with the largest this year a 2.4-magnitude event near Bedminster on January 30.
- Scientists link these small, shallow quakes to regional fault structures such as the Ramapo Fault, which produces frequent low-magnitude events in the area.
- Residents can expect more minor quakes from time to time and are advised to follow official USGS updates rather than social posts for confirmed information.