Loud booms, cracks, and explosion-like pops may be heard overnight across parts of the Midwest — a phenomenon known as frost quakes (cryoseisms). Frost quakes happen when intense cold freezes groundwater extremely fast, causing soil and rock to expand and crack suddenly. The sound can be startling and may include brief, localized shaking. 📍 Most likely areas: Eastern Iowa, Southern Wisconsin, Northern & Central Illinois, Indiana, and Western & Central Ohio — with possible reports in nearby regi

Hearing loud booms? They may be Frost Quakes! Frost Quakes, also known as a Cryoseisms, occur when water seeps into the ground followed by a rapid drop in temperatures. Water in the ground freezes and pressure from the expanding ice causes the soil and rocks to crack. When that happens loud pops and booms can be heard nearby. The wet weather we've had this week with the sudden deep freeze has created ideal conditions for these frost quakes to occur. | Meteorologist Chris Yates