Meteor Likely Behind Loud Boom Heard Across Cleveland Today

On Tuesday, people throughout Cleveland were on high alert for what sounded like an explosion. The loud booming noise caused quite a stir in many communities as it rattled buildings and caused many to worry that they may have experienced an earthquake or some kind of large industrial explosion. 

Reports came in from multiple locations throughout Northeast Ohio, as well as from some of the neighboring communities, to witness this mysterious loud noise. Based upon preliminary investigations conducted by the local police departments and through weather agencies, the loud boom was very likely created by a meteor entering our line of sight as it made its way through our atmosphere. 

Eyewitness accounts describing a flash of light in the sky around the same time further support that the sound was indeed caused by a meteor and that there was an extraordinary event occurring in the sky above us.

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Loud Boom Sparks Panic Across Region

Just before 9:00 a.m. this morning, residents in western northern Ohio reported a loud explosion noise that rattled their homes, jarred windows, and created fears of an earthquake or explosion. The noise was heard over a wide geographic area; this included parts of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and beyond.

Many residents reported that the noise was so strong it shook their whole house, resulting in an increase in emergency calls and social media posts by residents trying to determine what happened.

Meteor Identified as Likely Cause

Officials and meteorologists are investigating the cause of the mystery "boom." According to the National Weather Service, satellite data strongly indicate that the sound was the result of a meteor entering the Earth's atmosphere.

Scientists used the Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) radar, a radar that is typically used to detect lightning, to observe a bright flash over the Cleveland area at approximately the same time as the boom occurred. This is consistent with the bright flash associated with a meteor.

Fireball and Sonic Boom Explained

Many witnesses throughout the region reported seeing a bright fireball sweep across the sky before the loud noise occurred. 

According to experts, meteors travelling at great speeds upon entering the atmosphere may generate sonic booms, which likely caused today's thunder-like sound.