information provided by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (December 21, 2021) – At approximately 11:20am, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency was made aware of a large noise and shaking felt by many residents throughout central Illinois. This kicked off an immediate collaboration between federal, state, and local officials to identify the impact and source of the incident.
Upon further review, it was determined that an F-15 fighter jet in the airspace above central Illinois course-corrected, creating a sonic boom. When the aircraft broke the sound barrier, the pressure wave created an audible noise and minor shaking in the region.
At this time there are no reports of damage associated with the incident.
I can remember hearing sonic booms regularly when I was a kid, but I can’t remember when I’ve heard one since then.