A loud boom was heard by many across south central Missouri and north central Arkansas Wednesday afternoon. Authorities say that Howell County Sheriff’s Office stayed busy answering questions about the noise. The boom happened just after noon and the Sheriff’s office took more than 40 calls in short period of time. West Plains police say the boom kept all 5 of their lines busy for a short time. On Social media several people reported hearing the noise, in other towns including Willow Springs and Mountain Home. The national Weather service also received calls and at this time they have no explanation for the noise. Several people did report seeing a plane flying over, and believe it might have been a sonic boom.