The sound of a train honking its horn before passing by is often a powerful and emotional sound, often described as a "whoop" or "howl". This is how the train announces its presence and warns people near the tracks. This powerful whistle is often heard clearly from afar and creates a feeling of warning and decision. After the whistle, the sound of a train passing by can be a "sizzling" or "ehow" sound, depending on the speed and type of train.