A 4.8 magnitude earthquake is considered a moderate earthquake that can be felt by nearly everyone in the affected area. It typically causes light to minor damage, such as shaking buildings and possibly some cracks in walls or damage to weak structures, but it is unlikely to cause serious structural damage or life-threatening situations. The shaking from such an earthquake can be felt over a wide region, especially in the eastern United States, where seismic waves travel farther due to older bedrock. More specifically:
- Earthquakes in the 2.5-5.4 magnitude range are often felt but generally cause only minor or no damage.
- A 4.8 quake would produce noticeable shaking, enough to rattle belongings and wake people up at night, but it is not strong enough to cause major damage.
- The impact depends on various factors including distance from the epicenter, local geology, and building construction.
- For example, the 4.8 magnitude earthquake that struck New Jersey in April 2024 caused tremors felt from Washington, D.C., to north of Boston but did not lead to reports of significant damage or casualties.
In summary, a 4.8 earthquake is strong enough to be felt widely and may cause minor damage but is not considered a strong or damaging quake compared to those with magnitudes 6.0 or higher.