Minor Earthquake Strikes Near Sleepy Hollow, NY
On March 10, 2026, a 2.3 magnitude earthquake struck near Sleepy Hollow, Westchester County, NY, at approximately 10:17 a.m. The earthquake occurred at a depth of about 4.5 miles and was felt in various areas, including the Bronx and Putnam County. More than 900 individuals reported feeling the tremor to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The Ramapo Fault, which runs through southeastern New York, is known for producing small earthquakes, and this event is consistent with the region’s seismic activity. The earthquake was located roughly 20 miles north of New York City, an area that has experienced minor seismic events in the past.
Witnesses described their experiences during the quake. Steve Frasene, who was in Pleasantville at the time, recounted, “I was in Pleasantville, at physical therapy. And we had this big bang, and one of the therapists said ‘I think that was an earthquake.'” Another resident, Noemi Rosa, shared, “This morning I was laying in my bed, and I felt my bed shake.” Such personal accounts highlight the suddenness of the event.
Despite the noticeable tremors, no damage reports have been received from Westchester’s Department of Emergency Services. Officials have classified the earthquake as minor, which is typical for the region, as such events rarely cause significant damage. The Richter Scale, which measures earthquakes from 1 to 9, categorizes this quake as a low-level incident.
Ken Jenkins, a local official, commented on the event, stating, “While this was a minor event, it is a reminder that Westchester County sits in a region where seismic activity can occur.” This sentiment underscores the importance of being prepared for such occurrences, even if they are infrequent.
Lee Goldberg, a seismologist, noted the geological factors at play, explaining, “It just depends on how that reverberated through the hard crust of New Jersey and New York.” This insight reflects the complexity of seismic activity and its varying impacts across different areas.
The largest earthquake recorded in New York occurred in 1944, registering a magnitude of 5.8. While the recent earthquake is significantly smaller, it serves as a reminder of the region’s geological history and the potential for future seismic events. Observers will continue to monitor the situation, but as of now, details remain unconfirmed regarding any aftershocks or further seismic activity.
