THE WESTCHESTER BRIEF
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
What the Sleepy Hollow earthquake tells us about Westchester's seismic risk
The Earthquake on the Ramapo Fault
At 10:17 a.m. on March 10th, a magnitude 2.3 earthquake struck half a mile west of Sleepy Hollow. The quake originated 4.6 miles below the surface. Close to 1,200 people reported feeling it to the USGS—from Westchester through the Bronx, Putnam County, and into Connecticut.
Residents described a loud bang and a sharp jolt. No damage was reported anywhere in the county.
The earthquake occurred within the Dobbs Ferry Fault zone, connected to the larger Ramapo Fault system—the most seismically active fault corridor in the northeastern U.S. Since 1950, only 20 earthquakes of 2.3 magnitude or greater have been recorded in this vicinity.
Why it matters: This is not just a geological curiosity. Indian Point sits near the intersection of two identified seismic zones. The federal government announced plans to reopen the plant just four days before the earthquake. County Executive Jenkins used the event to reinforce his opposition, and the seismic question is central to the reopening debate. Whether you support nuclear energy or not, the geology underneath this conversation is worth understanding.
For comparison: the April 2024 Tewksbury, NJ earthquake was a 4.8 magnitude event that released 5,000 times more energy than what Sleepy Hollow experienced. But the East Coast's dense bedrock allows even small quakes to be felt over wide areas.
QUICK HITS
ConEd Rates Now Higher. The PSC-approved three-year rate increase is in effect. Westchester electric customers see a 3.6% increase ($5.32/month for typical usage). Gas customers see 4.4% ($10.67/month). Rates increase again in years two and three. Original ConEd request was 13.4% for electric and 19% for gas—the settlement reduced both significantly.
Inflation Refund Checks Coming. Governor Hochul's FY2026 budget includes New York's first-ever inflation refund checks. Joint filers earning up to $150,000 get $400. Single filers up to $75,000 get $200. The budget also cuts middle-class tax rates to their lowest level in 70 years.
New County Podcast. Westchester launched "Westchester, Explained" on March 5th—a podcast breaking down county policies and programs. It is a companion to the existing "This Week in Westchester" series.
ONE MORE THING
We had an earthquake on Monday's story about Indian Point. You cannot make this stuff up. If you felt the quake, reply to this email. I want to hear your experience.
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