Extreme Cold Warning 2026 Could Cause 'Icequakes' - What Are They And Which States Are Affected?

An intense Arctic cold blast tightening its grip on the United States this week has prompted extreme cold warnings across multiple regions, with meteorologists also warning of a rare and unsettling side effect.

Rapidly plunging temperatures could trigger 'icequakes', a little-known winter phenomenon capable of producing loud booming noises and brief ground tremors that can feel like small earthquakes. Parts of the Midwest, including the Chicago area, are among the regions being closely watched as wind chills fall to dangerous levels.

Extreme Cold Warning Issued as Temperatures Plunge

Weather services have issued extreme cold warnings as air temperatures are forecast to struggle to reach zero degrees, while wind chills are expected to plunge 30 degrees or more below zero in some areas.

The cold snap is being driven by a surge of Arctic air moving south, creating conditions that pose serious health risks and strain infrastructure. Forecasters say the sharp and sudden nature of the temperature drop is a key concern, particularly overnight, when rapid cooling can have unusual effects on the ground.

What Are Icequakes and How Do They Form?

Icequakes, also known as cryoseisms, occur when moisture trapped in soil or rock freezes extremely quickly. As water turns to ice, it expands, building pressure until the ground cracks.

That sudden release of energy can produce a loud popping or booming sound and minor vibrations that may be felt indoors. According to the National Weather Service, icequakes are not true earthquakes and are not linked to tectonic activity, but they can still be startling for those who experience them.

Why This Cold Snap Raises Icequake Concerns

Meteorologists say the risk of icequakes increases when temperatures fall rapidly rather than gradually.

According to NBC Chicago, the Chicago area will be dealing with extreme cold this week, and that rapid temperature plunge could create the right conditions for flash freezing beneath the surface and potentially trigger icequakes. While icequakes are uncommon, similar events have been reported during previous periods of extreme cold, often catching residents off guard due to the sudden noise and shaking.

Factors That Could Limit Icequake Activity

Despite the warnings, experts note that several factors could reduce the likelihood of icequakes. Soil temperatures in parts of the Midwest are already near freezing, meaning much of the moisture in the ground may already be frozen.

In addition, snow cover can act as an insulating layer, slowing the freezing process and reducing the chance of a sudden expansion. Areas with deeper snow may therefore be less prone to the phenomenon, even during extreme cold warnings.

Which States Are Most at Risk

The highest risk for icequakes is concentrated in regions experiencing the sharpest temperature drops. The Midwest and Upper Great Lakes, including Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan, are among the areas under extreme cold warnings or watches.

Parts of the Northern Plains, such as North Dakota and South Dakota, are also facing dangerous wind chills. Other states further south and east may avoid icequakes but are still contending with severe winter weather, including snow and ice.

What Residents Might Notice

Those who experience an icequake often report a single loud bang or series of sharp cracks, sometimes accompanied by brief vibrations.

The sounds have been mistaken for explosions or small earthquakes, leading to calls to emergency services during past cold snaps. Meteorologists advise that while the phenomenon can be alarming, it is generally harmless and short-lived.

Wider Safety Risks From Extreme Cold

Even without icequakes, the extreme cold poses significant dangers. Frostbite can occur within minutes in sub-zero wind chills, while hypothermia remains a serious risk for anyone exposed for prolonged periods.

Authorities are urging residents to limit time outdoors, dress in layers and ensure homes are protected against frozen pipes and power disruptions as the Arctic cold continues to spread.