Yes, That Sound You Just Heard Could’ve Been A Frost Quake
If you're at home and start hearing loud noises or popping sounds that sound like someone is firing a gun or breaking into your home, don't worry. The sound you are hearing is due to a thing called "frost quakes".
Frost quakes are caused by a saturated rock or soil cracks following a large temperature drop, according to frostquake.org. Some of you might have experienced these frost quakes with temperatures low as they have been throughout last week. And I have a funny feeling that we have not seen the last of these bitterly cold temps this winter. So, if you start hearing strange noises don't be alarmed, it's just Mother Nature reminding us that she is in control.
I have not experienced a frost quake, at least not that I am aware of, but these are a real thing and I am sure will scare the heck out of me when I do eventually hear one. They don't happen often in Illinois but are known to be heard a lot in Missouri.
Frost quakes can affect wood, brick, or metal but the good news is that it doesn't cause any damage usually. It's just your house adjusting to the cold temps. I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm ready for 100-degree temps.
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