Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
A severe solar storm that reached Earth on Thursday poses an increased threat to power grids as the United States continues to recover from two major hurricanes, according to space weather experts.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) erupted from the Sun and reached Earth around 11 a.m.
Warnings and alerts for geomagnetic storm conditions were issued by the Space Weather Prediction Center, reporting that the Earth was experiencing G4 conditions, categorized as severe.
What Is a Geomagnetic Storm?
NOAA describes a severe geomagnetic storm as a significant disruption in Earth’s magnetic field. These storms can vary in intensity, fluctuating between lower and severe conditions throughout their duration.
Hin addition to power grids, geomagnetic storms can also interfere with satellites and GPS technology.
“Storm conditions are expected overnight, as the CME progresses,” NOAA noted on its website. “Fluctuations resulting from the CME will cause periods of weakening and escalation in geomagnetic storm levels.”
Preparedness for Solar Storm Impacts
Earlier this week, NOAA had issued a severe geomagnetic storm watch extending from Thursday into Friday following the recent solar outburst. Such storms can disrupt power supply and radio communications temporarily.
In anticipation of the storm’s impact, NOAA has alerted power plant operators and spacecraft controllers to implement necessary safety precautions.
Impact on Ongoing Hurricane Recovery Efforts
NOAA has also informed the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) about the potential for power disruptions, particularly as the agency manages the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and the newly made landfall of Hurricane Milton. Milton hit near Siesta Key, Florida, on Wednesday night as a Category 3 storm with winds reaching 120 mph.
Space weather specialists do not foresee the current solar storm exceeding the strength of the one that struck in May, which marked the most intense solar event in over two decades.
Rob Steenburgh, a NOAA scientist, stated that Florida is positioned far enough south to avoid power outages from the current solar surge unless it becomes significantly stronger.
Monitoring Conditions Across the U.S.
Steenburgh added, “This information helps provide a level of comfort. Our role is to ensure people are informed so they can prepare accordingly.”
Concerns primarily focus on potential impacts on power grids in areas affected by Hurricane Helene two weeks earlier, noted NOAA space weather forecaster Shawn Dahl.
This solar storm may also ignite auroras visible as far south as the lower Midwest and Northern California. However, specific locations and timings remain uncertain, NOAA reported. Stargazers are encouraged to utilize smartphones to capture the auroras, as these devices can often detect lights that are invisible to the naked eye.
The solar storm in May created stunning auroras across the Northern Hemisphere without causing significant disruptions.
The Sun’s Activity Cycles
Currently, the Sun is nearing the peak of its 11-year solar cycle, which has been responsible for the uptick in solar activity.
This sequence of events highlights the intricate balance between natural phenomena and technological vulnerabilities. Continued monitoring and preparedness are crucial as the nation works through the challenges posed by extreme weather events combined with solar storms.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
