A magnitude 2.1 earthquake struck southern New Hampshire early Friday morning, briefly shaking communities near the Massachusetts border, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The earthquake occurred at approximately 1:45 a.m., with the epicenter in Milford, a town located between Nashua and Manchester.
Where and when did the earthquake occur?
USGS data shows the earthquake originated at a depth of about 5.4 miles underground, which increased the likelihood that the tremor would be felt at the surface despite its relatively small magnitude. Residents close to the epicenter reported light shaking, consistent with earthquakes in the 2.0 to 3.0 magnitude range.
Earthquake felt in parts of Massachusetts
Nearly 100 “Did You Feel It?” reports were submitted to the USGS shortly after the quake. In Massachusetts, shaking was reported in Townsend and Pepperell, as well as areas just west of Boston, highlighting how even minor earthquakes can be felt across state lines in New England.
On social media, residents described varied experiences. One person reported hearing a “shockwave-like noise”, while another said the movement was strong enough to wake them from sleep.
No damage reported after the quake
Authorities confirmed that there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries linked to the earthquake. According to Boston College’s Weston Observatory, earthquakes of this magnitude are common in the region and rarely cause structural damage, though they can be noticeable, especially during overnight hours when background noise is minimal.
Recent and historical earthquakes in New England
The last significant earthquake felt across much of New England occurred in January 2025, when a magnitude 3.8 quake centered off York Harbor, Maine, was felt in Boston, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. A senior scientist at the Weston Observatory described that event as a “once-in-every-five-years” occurrence.
