Rare Daytime Meteor Seen Over Northeast Ohio With Boom Heard as Far as New York

The fireball caused a powerful boom that shook homes and rattled windows across the region.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 2:52pm

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A massive boom that shook northeast Ohio and was reportedly heard as far away as New York was the result of a rare daytime meteor, the National Weather Service confirmed. The fireball streaked across the sky just before 9 a.m., with dramatic video showing the meteor flaring up as it entered the atmosphere.

Why it matters

Daytime meteors are relatively uncommon, as most meteors are only visible at night. This event highlights the power and unpredictability of these natural phenomena, which can produce shockwaves and property damage despite occurring during daylight hours.

The details

Locals flocked to social media to report the boom was so powerful that it rattled their houses and even knocked pictures off walls. Meteorologist Jeff Tanchak of 19 News said the boom was the result of the meteor breaking the sound barrier as it entered the Earth's atmosphere.

  • The fireball streaked across the sky just before 9 a.m. on March 17, 2026.

The players

National Weather Service

The government agency that confirmed the boom was caused by a rare daytime meteor.

Jeff Tanchak

A meteorologist at 19 News who explained the boom was caused by the meteor breaking the sound barrier.

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What they’re saying

“A massive boom that shook northeast Ohio and was reportedly heard as far away as New York was the result of a rare daytime meteor, Pittsburgh's National Weather Service confirmed.”

— National Weather Service (nypost.com)

The takeaway

This rare daytime meteor event serves as a reminder of the power and unpredictability of natural phenomena in the skies above us, even in broad daylight. While no injuries or major damage were reported, it highlights the need for continued monitoring and research into these types of celestial occurrences.