Rare earthquake hits state of New Jersey – quake strikes off N. California coast

January 2016 – NEW JERSEY – An unusual and mild earthquake struck in New Jersey on Saturday, officials said. The 2.1-magnitude shake up hit Ringwood, New Jersey, at 12:58 a.m., according to the United States Geological Survey. The earthquake could be felt in Sloatsburg and Suffern, according to the Suffern Police Department. There was no reported damage to people or property, Ringwood police said. –NBC NY

Quake strikes off coast of Northern California: Another moderate earthquake in the Pacific about 30 miles (48 kilometers) offshore of far Northern California was felt lightly by some along the coast but brought no reports of damage or injuries. A preliminary report from the U.S. Geological Survey says the magnitude- 4.5 quake struck at 9:11 p.m. Friday at a depth of about five miles (eight kilometers). It was located about 40 miles (64 kilometers) southwest of Eureka and about 250 miles (400 kilometers) northwest of San Francisco.

The National Tsunami Warning Center says there is no danger of tidal problems and officials in Humboldt County say there are no reports of damages or injuries. Dozens of people reported to the USGS they had felt some light shaking. It was in the same offshore area as a magnitude-4.9 quake on Monday and several smaller ones that followed this week. –USA Today