Buffalo, NY – Residents across Buffalo and Albany could soon be hearing mysterious booms echoing through the night as New York’s next cold wave hits. Experts say those startling noises are likely frost quakes — sudden cracking events in the frozen ground triggered by plunging temperatures.
According to the New York State Geological Survey, frost quakes, or cryoseisms, happen when rain or melted snow seeps into the ground, then freezes too quickly. As that water expands into ice, it builds up stress until the frozen soil or rock splits apart — releasing energy in a sharp pop or rumble. The sound can resemble an explosion or thunder, sometimes strong enough to rattle windows or wake residents.
Meteorologists say Upstate New York is set up for ideal frost-quake conditions this season. After an unusually mild, wet fall, the ground remains saturated — and early winter forecasts show quick drops from the 30s to single digits, particularly around Western New York and the Capital Region. Areas with little or no snow cover, such as during the first cold snaps, are at the highest risk since snow acts as insulation.
Frost quakes usually strike between midnight and dawn, when temperatures bottom out. While rarely damaging, they can cause minor surface cracks or frost heaves in yards, driveways, or foundations.
Experts recommend improving drainage around homes and clearing standing water before deep freezes to reduce risk.
So if you hear an explosive boom on a calm, icy night from Buffalo to Albany, it’s probably not fireworks — it’s winter itself, splitting the ground beneath your feet.
