Residents near Cape May experienced a loud boom on Monday afternoon, but there were no reports of earthquakes. The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed no seismic activity. Speculation points to a T-38 Talon military aircraft being the source, though local authorities received no relevant communications from military bases.
On Monday afternoon, residents of the Cape May area experienced a loud boom accompanied by noticeable shaking. The incident raised concerns, leading locals to inquire on social media if others shared their experience. However, the U.S. Geological Survey confirmed no seismic activity occurred on the East Coast, particularly citing no earthquakes even as far west as Oklahoma within the previous day.
The rumbling was distinctly perceived in various locations, including Cape May, Cape May Courthouse, Villas, and Wildwood, with reports of vibrations felt in Lacey Township further north. Citizens noted multiple booms, which suggested the source was unusual and warranted investigation.
Speculations arose regarding a military aircraft being responsible for the noise. A flight tracking application, Flightradar24, identified a T-38 Talon, a supersonic training aircraft, operating near the Maryland and Delaware coasts around the time of the occurrences.
Cape May Police Chief Dekon Fashaw acknowledged the incident, remarking that while military jets often operate in the airspace above the region, no notifications were issued to local law enforcement from the military. Moreover, the Naval Air Station Patuxent River had announced a noise warning for training exercises set to occur later that evening, between 6 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Requests for comments from both Navy and Air Force representatives met with no immediate response. The T-38 Talon serves as an essential asset utilized by the Navy and the Air Force for pilot training, highlighting the importance of maintaining public awareness during flight training exercises.
In summary, a loud boom and shaking reported by residents of Cape May were not attributed to any seismic activity, as confirmed by geological officials. The emergence of a T-38 Talon training aircraft in the area coincided with the reports, although local officials indicated no advances were communicated by military sources. As investigations continue, the Cape May community remains vigilant, underscoring the importance of clarity in military operations.
Original Source: www.nj.com
