USGS confirms meteor over Metro Detroit, causing magnitude 2.0 earthquake

United States Geological Survey confirms meteor over Metro Detroit

DETROIT – The United States Geological Survey confirmed Tuesday that a meteor was sighted over Metro Detroit and caused a magnitude 2.0 earthquake, according to the National Weather Service.

Metro Detroit residents report bright light, loud explosion

Local 4 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.

It appears the actual occurrence was at 8:08 p.m.

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 breaks up in the atmosphere.

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: 

From Haidar Abdallah:


About the Author:

Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.