By Elise Hammond, Leinz Vales and Matt Meyer, CNN From CNN’s Nic F. Anderson in New York The New York City Fire Department said there are no major incidents it is responding to at this time, in the aftermath of the New Jersey earthquake. An FDNY spokesperson told CNN that around 10:30 a.m. ET, FDNY received reports of shaking buildings. “We are responding to calls and evaluating structural stability. There are no major incidents at this time. We will continue to monitor,” the spokesperson added. From CNN’s Greg Wallace A 4.8 magnitude earthquake in the Northeast is impacting air travel. The Federal Aviation Administration said flights to the New York Kennedy, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Newark airports were being held. The air traffic control tower at Newark Liberty airport is being evacuated, a controller said in a radio transmission after the earthquake. That meant the flights were being held while controllers moved to an alternate location. “Nobody’s going to go anywhere for the time being,” a controller said over the radio frequency. The runways were in the process of being inspected for damage. Shortly after the earthquake, controllers at LaGuardia were still clearing flights for departure there. Federal Aviation Administration spokesperson Jeannie Shiffer calls the earthquake’s impact on air travel a “rapidly evolving situation.” FAA will have to inspect runways at New York’s JFK and Newark airports before operations can resume. From CNN staff There are no reports of damage in New York’s Rockland County following this morning’s earthquake, according to a statement from the county’s executive Ed Day. Day urged residents to remain calm and said the quake was felt in Albany, through the Lower Hudson Valley, and in New York City. “So far there are no reports of any damage, but the County is still assessing the impact and working with Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory research center and the State of New York to gather more information and will publicize as appropriate,” he said. “As aftershocks are common following earthquakes, residents are advised to stay alert and be prepared for any further seismic activity,” Day added. A preliminary 4.8 magnitude earthquake rattled parts of New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, DC, according to the data from the US Geological Survey. The epicenter, which occurred at 10:23 a.m. ET, was just northeast of Lebanon, New Jersey, less than 50 miles west of New York City. The light quake was shallow, just below the surface at 5 km depth, which made it easier for residents in affected areas to feel the shaking. The light shaking would be unlikely to cause damage, according initial data indications from the USGS. Initial reports indicated a 4.8 magnitude quake, but that was revised to 4.7 before being adjusted back to 4.8. This could change again as more data is reviewed.
4.8 magnitue earthquake rattles New York and prompts flight delays
