DETROIT – The National Weather Service said the flash and boom seen by residents across Metro Detroit was likely a meteor.
After reviewing several observational datasets, the NWS can confirm the flash and boom was NOT thunder or lightning, but instead a likely meteor. We continue to monitor feeds from astronomical agencies for official confirmation of a meteor. #miwx
— NWS Detroit (@NWSDetroit) January 17, 2018
Local 4 has received hundreds of calls from across the area from residents who saw a bright light and heard a loud explosion.
Reports started pouring in around 8:15 p.m. Tuesday. Members of the Local 4 staff also reported seeing the flash and hearing a noise.
So far, there has been no confirmation of the incident or explanation for what might have caused it.
Local 4 received calls from Detroit, Southgate, South Lyon, Howell, Huntington Woods, Shelby Township, Lyon Township, Allen Park, Taylor, Ann Arbor, Troy, Canton, Dearborn, Auburn Hills, Monroe, Inkster, Wayne, Westland and even more cities.
You can watch our live coverage in the stream posted above.
Stay with ClickOnDetroit for updates.
Paul Gross: Light possibly caused by bollide
Local 4 meteorologist Paul Gross said the bright light and loud noise might have been caused by a bolide, which is a meteor that brakes up in the atmosphere.
Based upon all of the public reports, looks like it was a bolide...a meteor that broke up in our atmosphere. This differs from a fireball, which is a bright meteor that doesn’t break up. Still trying to reach my sources...tough to get ahold of people at night.
— Paul Gross (@PGLocal4) January 17, 2018
Just saw another video...dash cam footage that, if valid, clearly shows that it was a bolide (meteor that broke up). Can’t confirm, but looks legit.
— Paul Gross (@PGLocal4) January 17, 2018
Videos from across the area
Here is footage of the meteor that just went over Lenawee area. We are between Sand Creek and Seneca. Wow!!
Posted by David Meckley on Tuesday, January 16, 2018
People are telling me they heard a loud bang all across Southeast MI. Was it a #Meteor? Here’s another video: pic.twitter.com/mtxOWvJZfx
— Philip Lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) January 17, 2018
From Dave Sullivan: