The National Weather Service has issued a sonic boom advisory for Brevard County and eight other Florida counties ahead of rocket launches scheduled for Saturday, April 12, 2026. The advisory warns residents to expect sudden, loud noises from military or space activities over the next 24 hours. The affected areas include Brevard, Orange, Osceola, Indian River, Seminole, Volusia, Polk, St. Lucie, and Okeechobee counties.
Residents in these regions may hear one or more sonic booms as rockets lift off from Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The National Weather Service says the booms could be disruptive, especially in densely populated areas. The advisory emphasizes that the noise is a normal part of launch operations but urges caution.
The sonic boom advisory is active from midnight to midnight on April 12. Launches are expected to occur in the early morning hours, with booms potentially audible as far as 50 miles from the launch sites. The National Weather Service recommends residents stay indoors during the window of activity if possible.
The advisory follows a pattern of periodic sonic booms in the area, which are common near active launch sites. The National Weather Service says advance warnings help residents prepare, but it does not predict the exact timing or intensity of the booms.
Residents are advised to monitor local news and weather updates for changes to the schedule. The National Weather Service will not issue additional advisories unless conditions change. Launches are typically announced days in advance, but weather or technical delays could alter the timeline.