Small Earthquake Shakes Parts of New York State Wednesday Night

Did you feel it?

A small earthquake rattled parts of New York State on Wednesday night. According to reports, a magnitude 2.3 earthquake was recorded near the Geneseo area.

Earthquakes Are Not Uncommon in New York State

While many people associate earthquakes with states such as California and Oklahoma, seismic activity is not unusual in the Empire State. In fact, New York experiences dozens of minor earthquakes each year. Most are so small that they go unnoticed, but occasionally a tremor is strong enough to shake homes, offices, and even dental chairs.

A Personal Reminder That Earthquakes Happen in Western New York

I’ll never forget being on the air during our morning show in Buffalo when an earthquake struck during the commute.

Read more: Big News For Target Shoppers Across New York State

My co-hosts immediately looked stunned as the studio began to shake. At first, I thought I had caused the movement while adjusting my chair, but it quickly became clear that something much stronger was happening.

I also remember sitting in a dentist’s chair when another earthquake shook Western New York. The dentist asked me to stop moving, and I told him it wasn’t me. I looked up to see the bright overhead light swaying back and forth as the ground trembled.

Why Some States Experience More Earthquakes

States like California are well known for frequent earthquakes because they sit along major fault lines, including the San Andreas Fault.

Oklahoma has also experienced increased seismic activity over the years, which has led many people to question whether some earthquakes may be linked to oil and gas operations.

What to Do After a Small Earthquake

Even though low-magnitude earthquakes like this one rarely cause significant damage, it is always a good idea to take a quick look around your home or property after a tremor.

Check for:

• Cracks in walls or foundations
• Items that may have fallen or shifted
• Damage to chimneys or brickwork
• Unusual sounds from pipes or utility lines

Good News for New Yorkers

The good news is that earthquakes of this size generally do not cause major problems. For most people, the biggest impact is a brief moment of surprise—and maybe a story to tell later.

Still, Wednesday night’s earthquake serves as another reminder that even here in New York State, the ground beneath us is not always perfectly still.

According to one Meteorologist, Wednesday's quake was minor..."A 2.3 "micro" earthquake was recorded just South of Rochester tonight. More like a little shuffle rather than a quake".