A magnitude 1.6 earthquake was recorded in Morris County early Thursday morning, October 22, 2026, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
The earthquake occurred at approximately 5:38 a.m., about three miles southeast of Randolph Township, near Morristown.
According to the USGS, the earthquake originated approximately six miles beneath the Earth’s surface.
Was the Earthquake Felt?
With a magnitude of just 1.6, the event is classified as a microearthquake. Tremors of this size are generally too weak to be noticed by most people and rarely cause damage.
As of Thursday morning, no residents had reported feeling the earthquake through the USGS reporting system.
Not the First Earthquake in Morris County
Northern New Jersey has experienced several small earthquakes in recent years, including a series of minor tremors recorded in Morris County in 2025.
According to CBS News, Thursday’s earthquake was the ninth recorded in New Jersey during 2026.
Although earthquakes are less common in New Jersey than in western states, small seismic events do occur and are monitored by the USGS.
Residents who believe they felt the shaking can submit a report through the USGS “Did You Feel It?” program.
Sources: U.S. Geological Survey, CBS News New York, Patch, October 22, 2026.
By NJ RADAR Team