what was the worst earthquake in nyc
The worst earthquake in NYC’s recorded history was the 1884 quake , which is generally cited at about magnitude 5.2 and is often described as the biggest known earthquake to strike the New York City area.
Quick Scoop
It was centered somewhere between Brooklyn and Sandy Hook , and it caused damage such as cracked walls and knocked-over chimneys in parts of the region.
A later quake on April 5, 2024 was very noticeable and widely felt, but it was smaller than the 1884 event at magnitude 4.8.
Why it stands out
- It remains the largest known quake associated with NYC in historical records.
- It is also described as the most significant quake to affect the area in over a century.
- Modern reports note that even though the 2024 quake was unusual for the region, it did not surpass the 1884 event.
Note on numbers
Different sources sometimes give slightly different magnitudes for the 1884 quake, such as 5.0 , 5.2 , or 5.5 , because older earthquakes were measured with less precise methods.
| Event | Approx. magnitude | What sources say |
|---|---|---|
| 1884 NYC-area quake | About 5.0–5.5 | Largest known earthquake in NYC history. | [7][1][5]
| April 5, 2024 quake | 4.8 | Strongly felt, but smaller than the 1884 event. | [9][4][10]