Meteor Causes Boom Heard Across Multiple States

Thousands reported shaking houses and falling items after the loud boom.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 1:19pm

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A loud boom heard across Pennsylvania, Northeast Ohio, and New York on Tuesday morning was caused by a meteor, according to officials. Thousands of people reported feeling their houses shake and items fall from shelves due to the powerful boom.

Why it matters

Meteors entering the Earth's atmosphere are relatively common, but a boom of this magnitude is less frequent. The incident highlights the potential for meteors to cause property damage and raises awareness about the need for continued monitoring and research of these celestial events.

The details

Video footage captured by the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh shows a burning meteor streaking across the sky before the loud boom was heard. Authorities believe the meteor likely broke apart in the atmosphere, causing the shaking and falling items reported by residents.

  • The loud boom was reported on Tuesday morning, March 18, 2026.

The players

National Weather Service in Pittsburgh

The local office of the National Weather Service that captured video footage of the meteor.

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The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder of the power and unpredictability of meteors entering the Earth's atmosphere. While such events are relatively rare, they highlight the need for continued monitoring and research to better understand and prepare for the potential impacts of these celestial occurrences.