Minor Independence Day Quake Rattles North Passaic

BUTLER, N.J. — A 1.1-magnitude earthquake in the Butler area jolted some North Jersey towns a little after midnight Monday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

An earthquake hit North Jersey July 4.
Photo Credit: *Wikimedia Commons*

Lorraine Ash

07/04/2016 7:42 p.m.

“It’s normal for this type of earthquake, which is really small, to be felt in the immediate area, especially in Pompton Lakes, Butler, and Kinnelon,” said USGS Seismologist Jessica Turner.

The rattling also was felt in Bloomingdale, according to the Associated Press.

Because the quake hit around midnight, Turner said, people who were still awake and probably reading or watching TV were likely to feel it.

At busier parts of the day, Turner said, it’s less likely such an earthquake would be noticed.

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