Loud Boom Across Ohio and Pennsylvania Likely Caused by Meteor

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A loud boom that shook buildings across parts of Ohio and Pennsylvania on Tuesday morning was likely caused by a meteor entering the atmosphere, according to the National Weather Service. Videos showed a bright flash in the sky, and authorities said they received numerous calls about an explosion, but no damage or injuries were reported.

Why it matters

Meteors entering the Earth's atmosphere are relatively common, but ones that produce a loud boom and are visible across a wide area are less frequent. This event highlights the need for continued monitoring and research into these natural phenomena to better understand their potential impacts.

The details

The National Weather Service said its lightning mapper and cameras picked up what appeared to be a meteor streaking across the sky just before 9 a.m. on Tuesday. A meteorologist in Cleveland said a sonic boom was heard across much of the area, and the Weather Service office in Pittsburgh also received reports of a loud boom and a fireball in the sky. Law enforcement authorities said they were inundated with calls about what sounded like an explosion, but no damage or injuries were reported.

• The loud boom occurred around 9 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The National Weather Service and other scientific agencies will continue to analyze data from the event to better understand the characteristics and origin of the meteor.