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Des Moines, Iowa – Iowans may hear sudden loud cracks or booming noises early Friday as persistent Arctic cold renews the risk of the “exploding tree” phenomenon across much of the state.
According to the National Weather Service, subzero temperatures combined with lingering wind chills Friday morning are creating favorable conditions for frost cracking, also known as cryoseismic booming. This occurs when sap inside trees freezes rapidly and expands while the outer wood contracts, building pressure that can cause trunks to split suddenly with a sharp, explosive sound…