Massive booms, shaking reported from Myrtle Beach to Wilmington

Residents from North and South Carolina reportedly experienced what they described as “loud booms” Thursday night, according to WECT.

News outlets along the Carolina coast reported receiving dozens of calls and messages from residents stretching from Myrtle Beach to New Hanover County in North Carolina. Many said it felt like large sonic booms shook their homes.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, there were no official reports of an earthquake in the area. In addition, the Coast Guard and the Air Station at Cherry Point said they were not aware of any military exercises going on that would cause a large boom.

Local law enforcement also said they got calls about the booms, but officers did not find any emergencies, according to WECT.

The National Weather Service of Wilmington suggested the loud booms may have been caused by an aircraft off the Carolina coast breaking the sound barrier.

Officials said crews at the National Weather Service observed “chaff” during the series of loud booms. Chaff indicates the presence of a military aircraft and is “used as a radar countermeasure in training.”

The U.S. Geological Survey also cited the term “Seneca Guns," which refers to the roaring, load booms residents have reported hearing along the Carolina Coast. Officials said the booms can be traced to things like explosions, earthquakes or construction, but others are unknown.

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