New York City Woke to Early Morning Tremor

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that a small 1.7 magnitude tremor occurred near the Astoria, Queens area of New York at about 5:45 a.m. on Tuesday January 2.

The epicenter of the quake was about a half mile from Astoria and about three miles deep. The tremor was felt by some residents miles away.

Firefighters responded to 911 calls of shaking and sounds of small explosions on Roosevelt Island.

New York City Emergency Management said there were no reports of damage or injuries. There were also no effects on transportation or infrastructure and no life safety concerns.

It has not been officially determined if the earthquake was the cause of the shaking, noises or power outages.

Earthquakes of 1.7 magnitude are often not felt even though they are recorded by a seismograph.