Aliens? No, loud noise caused by maintenance at power plant

JOHNSTON, R.I. (AP) — Police have solved the mystery of a strange, loud noise that baffled residents of two Rhode Island towns over the weekend.

WJAR-TV reports that Cranston and Johnston residents were awakened at about 5:40 a.m. Saturday by a sustained noise that shook their homes. It sounded like a roar of wind, and was described as a passing plane, wind turbines, a steam release, or even aliens.

It lasted about three minutes, paused for a few seconds, then continued for three more minutes.

Police in both towns got dozens of calls about the mystery noise.

Cranston police Maj. Todd Patalano said Sunday that the roaring came from a Johnston power plant.