WATCH: Loud boom, bright flashing lights startle residents

Residents in the US have been baffled by a loud boom followed by a bright light unexpectedly lighting up the night sky.

People in several midwestern states, including Michigan, witnessed the bizarre phenomenon shortly after 8pm on Tuesday as many took to the internet to speculate about what had occurred.

“[I] heard a boom and I kind of thought I felt something and my dog freaked out,” one caller told US radio station WWJ.

Dozens took to social media to reveal footage they'd managed to capture of the bizarre moment.

With rumours of 'thunder snow' and severe thunder storms rife, Homeland Security moved to end speculation and confirm the phenomenon was in fact a fireball meteor.

Some residents were sent a confirmation message to ease concern over the mysterious occurrence.

Several clips shows the meteor brighten the night's sky over several seconds before returning suddenly returning to darkness.

One video from a Michigan highway shows the meteor shining brightly in the sky before abruptly burning out.

"Multiple sources report that a fireball meteor was seen over the county earlier this evening," the message read.

"While many also reported an explosion, there is no indication that anything landed on the ground or cased damage.

"Most likely it was the boom of the meteor breaking apart. And that there is no need to call 911.”