A small earthquake rumbled through Buffalo and western New York Monday morning, alarming people in a region unaccustomed to such shaking but apparently causing no significant damage.
A magnitude 3.8 earthquake centered east of Buffalo occurred in the suburb of West Seneca at 6:15 a.m., according to the US Geological Survey. The earthquake occurred about 2 miles below the surface. Seismologist Yaareb Altaweel said it was the most powerful earthquake in the region in at least 40 years.
The shaking lasted several seconds and sent residents first out of their windows and then to social media in search of an explanation.
Earthquakes in upstate New York, Rochester region
Earthquakes in New York State are not uncommon
The state’s largest earthquake was recorded on September 5, 1944, with an earthquake near Massena, St. Lawrence County. The 5.8 magnitude earthquake was felt from Canada to Maryland and from Indiana to Maine. It caused $2 million in damage in Massena and Cornwall, Canada.