NORFOLK, Va. — Residents across Hampton Roads and northeastern North Carolina reported hearing a mysterious loud boom Sunday evening, sparking questions about its source.
Widespread Reports
Calls and messages flooded into WTKR News 3, with residents in Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, and Moyock, N.C. describing the sound as similar to an explosion or even a vehicle crashing into a building.
Despite the reports, News 3’s newsroom in Norfolk’s NEON District did not register any unusual sound or vibrations at the time.
No Seismic Activity Detected
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed that no seismic events were recorded in the area when the noise was reported. This rules out the possibility of a small earthquake or tremor being responsible for the sound.
Military Response
Given Hampton Roads’ proximity to major naval installations, speculation quickly turned to military activity. A spokesperson for Naval Air Station Oceana acknowledged awareness of community reports but emphasized that:
- All training follows FAA rules, which prohibit aircraft from breaking the sound barrier over land.
- Atmospheric conditions, such as cloud cover or temperature inversions, can sometimes carry offshore noises inland, making them louder or more noticeable than usual.
Ongoing Mystery
As of Sunday night, the source of the boom remains unconfirmed. Local authorities have not linked the sound to any industrial accident, fire, or public safety event…