While earthquakes are relatively uncommon in the Northeast, the events highlight the region's ongoing seismic activity.

A magnitude 2.7 earthquake rattled parts of New York and New Jersey around 12:10 p.m. ET on Aug. 5, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

A second minor earthquake has rattled the New York metropolitan area within several days. The 2.7 magnitude quake struck Tuesday afternoon near Hillsdale, New Jersey, northwest of the Bronx.