By: Richard L. Smith
My friends and family in Newark and the broader North Jersey region are waking up to a cold but dry Saturday, marking a calm after an eventful Friday.
The National Weather Service reports that the area is recovering from a long day that included a 4.8 magnitude earthquake centered in Lebanon, NJ, which was felt over 100 miles away.
The initial quake, followed by a 6 p.m. aftershock, left the community on edge.
Though smaller aftershocks occurred, including one around 1:18 this morning, they were not felt by residents.
Today, The National Weather Service said the weather offers a partly sunny sky with a 20 percent chance of showers after noon, providing a gentle backdrop to the region's recovery efforts.
Highs are expected to reach near 53 degrees, with a brisk northwest wind of 14 to 21 mph adding a chill to the air. The weather will turn mostly cloudy tonight with lows around 38 degrees, accompanied by a north wind of 15 to 18 mph.
As the community reflects on the seismic events, the National Weather Service encourages everyone in New Jersey to have a great day, bundled up against the cold but enjoying the dry weather.