News 12’s Jim Murdoch was conducting an interview via Zoom at the time of the earthquake, which provided a look at how three people in three different parts of the state experienced - and reacted to - the event as it was happening.

In Wall Township, the quake felt like low vibrations ending with two sharp and loud jolts.

"It kind of sounded like my kids running around the house. Once I saw that nobody was running around, I knew something was going on," said Wall Township Police Chief Sean O'Halloran. "What I felt this was definitely eye-opening. You can see what we're dealing with, with Mother Nature."

LIVE UPDATES: Earthquake in New Jersey felt throughout tri-state area

Upstairs at the Wall Township Shore news bureau, Optimum account executive Roger DeFazio had just settled into a typical work day when the shaking started.

"I was just sitting at my desk doing my work. Next thing I know, I'm looking at my laptop and my laptop started shaking. Everything just started to go sideways. I ran to the window thinking maybe [News 12 New Jersey photojournalist] Ryan's truck hit the building. Like everyone else, we quickly realized it was a problem," he said.

No damage was reported around the coastal areas.