Joint Base: Overcast Skies Causing Testing Sounds to Travel

Overcast skies are likely causing the sounds of U.S. Marine exercises at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst to be heard farther than usual.

A message posted to the base Facebook page Tuesday evening states that "community members may hear more noise coming from the Dix ranges because of the overcast skies." Exercises are scheduled to last through Thursday; overcast skies are expected through Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service. 

Training is being held on the Dix ranges near Ocean County's border with Burlington County and will be completed by 11 p.m. each day, according to the base.

"This essential training helps ensure the readiness of America's fighting force," reads a posting to the base's Facebook page. "As a result of this important training, some residents may hear more noise than usual coming from the base's ranges and may experience possible ground shaking."

According to base spokesman Bill Addison, cloud cover can play a factor in how far away sound is heard. 

"The range varies depending on the weather," he said, adding that on an overcast day the sound may travel farther.

Base leadership thanked the public and pledged to "continue to work hard to ensure we remain good neighbors," the post states.

"The joint base works very hard to ensure training has minimal impact on its local communities. [Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst] is grateful for the overwhelming support it has received throughout the years."

Anyone with questions or concerns is asked to contact the base public affairs office.