4.8 magnitude earthquake near Whitehouse Station, NJ raises concerns about East Coast preparedness.

4.8 magnitude East Coast earthquake raises concerns: A 4.8 magnitude earthquake centered near Whitehouse Station, NJ, was felt by 42 million people and followed a 1.7 magnitude quake in NYC. Earthquakes are rare on the East Coast, with the most powerful in the last century at 5.8 in Virginia in 2011. Experts question the possibility of a larger earthquake striking and whether East Coast preparedness is sufficient.