A strange noise startled many residents across North Alabama this morning.

The noise was so powerful it rattled many residents' homes.

WAAY 31 News has learned that noise was the result of a sonic boom, or the event that happens when something travels faster than the sound of speed.

We're told it came from aircraft tests from Arnold Air Force Base in Tullahoma, Tennessee.

That's about an hour away from Huntsville.

People all the way from Ardmore, to Huntsville reported hearing the noise.

The Air Force Base issued what they call a "sonic boom alarm" to areas around the base, but since it wasn't sent to the Huntsville area, everyone was pretty much caught off guard.

Reporter: Tiffaney Bradley

Web Producer: Darcelle Hall