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Early risers in Hampton Roads witnessed a spectacular sky display, as a glowing plume from SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket launch in Florida created a stunning light show.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Early risers across parts of Hampton Roads were treated to a striking sight in the sky Wednesday morning as a glowing cone-shaped trail appeared high overhead.

Several across the region reported seeing the unusual display shortly after 6 a.m., describing a bright streak moving across the sky followed by a halo-like plume expanding behind it.

The sight was tied to a rocket launch from Florida.

At 5:52 a.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, a Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, sending 29 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit.

According to SpaceX, the launch took place from Space Launch Complex-40 and marked the 25th flight for the rocket’s first-stage booster, which has previously supported missions including Ax-2, Euclid, Ax-3, CRS-30, SES ASTRA 1P and NG-21, along with multiple Starlink launches.

Following stage separation, the reusable booster successfully landed on the “A Shortfall of Gravitas” droneship in the Atlantic Ocean.

The bright plume seen from Virginia Beach was caused by sunlight illuminating the rocket’s exhaust high in the atmosphere.

According to NASA, rocket launches near sunrise or sunset can create glowing plumes visible hundreds of miles away. Even when the ground is still dark, rockets traveling at high altitude can remain in direct sunlight, causing the expanding exhaust gases to scatter light and form bright clouds, spirals or cone-shaped halos in the sky.

Experts with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) note the effect occurs because the exhaust plume expands rapidly in the thin upper atmosphere, allowing sunlight to illuminate the particles and make them visible across large regions.

For many viewers in Virginia Beach, the illuminated plume appeared as a large cone of light trailing behind the rocket, creating a brief but dramatic display in the morning sky.

While launches from Florida’s Space Coast are routine, the timing and atmospheric conditions can occasionally make them visible far beyond the launch site, turning ordinary rocket launches into unexpected sky shows across the East Coast.

SpaceX said the satellites launched on Wednesday will join its growing Starlink constellation, designed to provide high-speed internet coverage around the world.

Virginia Beach, VA (February 12, 2026) – Emergency crews responded on Tuesday, February 10, at approximately 2:13 p.m. to a reported traffic accident with injuries at the intersection of Holland Rd and Stoneshore Rd. Dispatch audio indicates rescue and paramedic units were sent to the scene to assist those involved. Police and EMS worked to assess patients and manage traffic around the intersection while care was provided. Specific details regarding the number of vehicles and the extent of injuries have not been released. The incident remains under review.

Key Details

What We Know So Far

What’s Not Yet Confirmed

Local Context

The intersection of Holland Rd and Stoneshore Rd is located in a residential and commercial area of Virginia Beach, with steady daytime traffic from nearby neighborhoods and businesses. Afternoon travel can include school pickups, local deliveries, and commuters navigating through the corridor. When an injury crash occurs at this intersection, responders typically secure a working area to allow paramedics to safely assess patients while officers direct traffic around the scene. Temporary lane restrictions are common until vehicles are repositioned and debris is cleared from the roadway.

What to Do Next

FAQ

Q: Why can symptoms appear hours after a crash?

A: Adrenaline can temporarily mask discomfort, and some injuries may not become noticeable until later.

Q: What often leads to intersection crashes?

A: Turning movements, distracted driving, and failure to yield are common contributing factors.

Q: What do responders typically do first at an injury accident scene?

A: Crews focus on assessing injuries and securing the roadway to prevent additional collisions before documenting the crash.

Virginia Beach, VA (February 12, 2026) – Emergency crews responded on Tuesday, February 10, at approximately 3:08 p.m. to a reported traffic accident with injuries at the intersection of Bonney Rd and Runaway Bay Dr. Dispatch audio indicates ambulance units were sent to evaluate those involved in the crash. Initial radio communications suggested the possibility of multiple vehicles. Police and EMS worked the scene while assessing patients and managing traffic through the intersection. The incident remains under review.

Key Details

What We Know So Far

What’s Not Yet Confirmed

Local Context

The intersection of Bonney Rd and Runaway Bay Dr is located in a busy commercial and residential area of Virginia Beach, with nearby apartment communities and retail centers contributing to steady afternoon traffic. During mid-afternoon hours, drivers may encounter frequent turning movements and vehicles entering or exiting side streets and parking lots. When a crash with injuries occurs here, responders typically secure the intersection and may temporarily restrict lanes to allow paramedics to evaluate patients safely. Traffic congestion can build quickly until damaged vehicles are cleared from the roadway.

What to Do Next

FAQ

Q: What should people document right after an accident?

A: It is helpful to record the exact location, time, vehicle positions, and any visible traffic signs or signals.

Q: What often leads to intersection crashes?

A: Common factors include distracted driving, failure to yield, and misjudging gaps when turning.

Q: What do responders typically do first at an injury crash scene?

A: Crews focus on assessing injuries and securing the roadway to prevent additional collisions before documenting the scene.

Virginia Beach, VA (February 12, 2026) – Emergency crews were dispatched on Wednesday, February 11, at approximately 7:05 p.m. following reports of a traffic accident with injuries near Indian River Rd and Centerville Tpke. Dispatch audio indicates an ambulance was initially requested for the scene. Shortly after, the caller advised they wished to cancel the response. A responding unit confirmed arrival at the intersection before clearing. Details regarding any injuries or vehicles involved have not been officially released. The situation remains under review.

Key Details

What We Know So Far

What’s Not Yet Confirmed

Local Context

The intersection of Indian River Rd and Centerville Tpke is a busy corridor in Virginia Beach, serving as a key connection for residential neighborhoods and commercial areas. Evening traffic volumes can remain steady as commuters return home and local businesses close for the day. When a crash is reported at this intersection, responders typically secure the scene and assess for injuries while managing turning lanes and through traffic. Even brief incidents can cause temporary slowdowns as vehicles navigate around emergency units or merge into adjacent lanes.

What to Do Next

FAQ

Q: Why might early dispatch information change?

A: Initial calls are often based on limited details from callers and may be updated as responders assess the situation in person.

Q: What often leads to intersection crashes?

A: Common causes include turning conflicts, signal timing issues, distracted driving, and failure to yield.

Q: What happens when a caller cancels a reported crash response?

A: Responding units may still verify the scene to ensure no one needs assistance before officially clearing the call.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — More than 5,400 participants braved frigid waters at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront this weekend, setting new records for both attendance and fundraising at the 2026 Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Virginia.

The 34th annual event raised $1.7 million, surpassing previous fundraising records while drawing over 5,000 plungers, runners and Cool School participants. The money will support more than 23,000 Special Olympics Virginia athletes in their training and competition programs.

Despite what may have been one of the coldest Polar Plunges in recent years, participants brought energy and enthusiasm to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. The freezing conditions didn't deter the thousands who took the plunge into the Atlantic Ocean.

"Watching 3,000 people do something that's a little challenging, and then facing that challenge together, I mean, that's what our athletes face every day," said Holly Claytor, Vice President of Development and Communications for Special Olympics Virginia. "Really seeing that courage, and that environment of like, we're doing this to support 23,000 athletes in Virginia."

Among those athletes is Kaitlin Dykes, who participated in her 13th Polar Plunge on Saturday. For Dykes, Special Olympics provides more than just athletic opportunities.

"I like being a part of Special Olympics because it helps me find a place where I belong," Dykes said.

Despite the harsh weather conditions, Dykes embraced the challenge with enthusiasm.

"I go all in! I go high-five all the divers, and I dunk," Dykes said.

"The Polar Plunge shows what's possible when a community comes together for inclusion," said David Thomason, Special Olympics Virginia president and CEO. "Every plunger, every volunteer and every dollar raised helps open doors for our athletes to train, compete and belong. This weekend proves that generosity is stronger than any winter chill."

The event drew participants from across the region, including locals with personal connections to the cause. Todd Willis, a Virginia Beach neighbor, participated because of his own family's experience with Special Olympics.

"It's a great cause. I have a son who is special needs and he did Special Olympics for years, and it's kind of personal to me," Willis said.

The weekend festivities began Friday with the Cool School Challenge. A total of 953 students and teachers participated, raising more than $106,000. Parker Harding from Plaza Middle School earned recognition as the top student fundraiser.

Saturday's main event included a Pre-Plunge Party with live music from DJ Julian and a Boardwalk Costume Parade with creative costumes.

Team Ice-aholics claimed the top team fundraising award with $73,000 raised. Robert Bell with The Highland Yetis earned individual fundraising honors, bringing in $21,300.

WTKR News 3 served as one of the presenting sponsors of Polar Plunge. Since 1993, Polar Plunge events have raised more than $24.5 million for Special Olympics Virginia. It continues to be one of Special Olympics Virginia's most successful fundraising events, bringing together the community to support athletes with intellectual disabilities through year-round sports training and competition.

Two additional plunges remain this season, both scheduled for Feb. 14 at Leesylvania State Park and in the New River Valley.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.