Overview
- State forestry services and tree physiologists explain that the noises come from frost cracking—rapid, vertical splits when freezing sap or water expands in extreme cold.
- Researchers note the effect is most likely during very low temperatures near −20°F and during sharp temperature drops, with thin-barked and young trees more susceptible.
- Officials emphasize the phenomenon is startling but not explosive, producing no wooden shrapnel, though cracks may sound like gunshots.
- Viral posts and videos, including a widely viewed X post by Max Schuster, exaggerated the threat, and some circulating clips are AI-generated or misattributed.
- Real risks persist from ice-laden limbs and weakened trees, and experts advise avoiding parking or standing under large branches and waiting until spring to assess longer‑term damage.