NOAA warns of severe geomagnetic storm that could disrupt major systems

Doug Cunningham

May 10, 2024 at 10:25 a.m.·2 min read

NOAA has issued a severe geomagnetic storm watch for Friday. It follows days of strong solar flares and coronal mass ejections. It could cause disruptions in power grids, radio, satellites and communications. It will also trigger spectacular Aurora Borealis light displays. Aurora Borealis seen in highlighting the Chicago area from the International Space Station. File Photo by NASA/UPI

May 10 (UPI) -- The NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center warned of a severe geomagnetic storm Friday with wide-ranging impacts that could potentially disrupt communications, the electric power grid, navigation, radio and satellite operations.

The agency issued a Severe (G4) Geomagnetic Storm Watch for Friday evening, adding that "additional solar eruptions could cause geomagnetic storm conditions to persist through the weekend."

It's the most severe warning in 20 years.

NOAA said it's monitoring the sun after a series of strong solar flares and coronal mass ejections.

"CMEs are explosions of plasma and magnetic fields from the sun's corona," NOAA said in a statement. "They cause geomagnetic storms when they are directed at Earth. Geomagnetic storms can impact infrastructure in near-Earth orbit and on Earth's surface, potentially disrupting communications, the electric power grid, navigation, radio and satellite operations. SWPC has notified the operators of these systems so they can take protective action."

A large solar flare erupting on the sun seen March 6, 2012. This flare was categorized as an X5.4, making it the second largest flare -- after an X6.9 on August 9, 2011. Solar storms may cause disruptions to satellites, communications and power grids. File Photo UPI/NASA/SDO/AIA

These storms can trigger "spectacular displays of aurora on Earth", according to NOAA. These aurora borealis "northern lights" could be seen as far south as Alabama and Northern California.

NOAA said a large sunspot cluster has produced several moderate to strong solar flares since Wednesday. NOAA and NASA space assets will be monitored for the onset of a geomagnetic storm.

According to SpaceWeather.com, "If geomagnetic storms were hurricanes, 'severe' would be category 4."

More solar eruptions could cause geomagnetic storm conditions to last through the weekend.

The Weather Network
Plan ahead: Soupy air to spark multi-day storm risk over Ontario
Have a plan to head indoors over the next couple of days as warm, soupy air fuels a repetitive risk for thunderstorms across southern Ontario
GOBankingRates
6 Hybrid Vehicles To Stay Away From Buying
Not all hybrid cars are created equal. While some models offer excellent fuel efficiency, reliability and performance, others fall short. With so many options, it can be tough to separate the good...
BBC
Warning over Asian hornets after record sightings
There have been 108 sightings of Asian hornets since 2016, of which 56 were in 2023.
The Canadian Press
Northern Rockies Regional Municipality says four homes lost in B.C. wildfire
FORT NELSON, B.C. — The Mayor of British Columbia's Northern Rockies Regional Municipality says four homes have been lost and six other properties have been damaged by a wildfire that forced the evacuation of Fort Nelson more than a week ago. Rob Fraser says three of the four homes were occupied and one was vacant, but he's been able to speak with most of the owners whose properties have been damaged. Fraser says the affected properties were on the outskirts of Fort Nelson, and the six others sa
The Weather Network - Video
May long weekend snow continues across the West
High alpine snow continues as ski resorts start to wrap up the season. More details with Meteorologist Melinda Singh.
USA TODAY
Video shows bear bringing traffic to a standstill on California highway: Watch
Video footage captured by a commuter Dan Kanes showed the bear standing in the middle of State Route 14 near Santa Clarita as traffic came to a halt.
People
75 Endangered and Extremely Rare Snakes Released into Kisatchie National Forest by Fort Worth Zoo
The Fort Worth Zoo has released a total of 229 Louisiana pine snakes into the wild in recent years
BBC
Convicted big cat park owner faces animal ban
A judge says he will ban Terrence Moore, who cares for 31 animals, from keeping them for five years.
KSBW - Monterey Videos
More sun and slightly warmer temps through Tuesday. Cooling trend beginning Wednesday.More sun and slightly warmer temps through Tuesday. Cooling trend beginning Wednesday.
More sun and slightly warmer temps through Tuesday. Cooling trend beginning Wednesday.
PA Media: UK News
Warning over rise in invasive species as public told to report Asian hornets
Nature groups warned that recent flooding and warming temperatures have increased the risk of invasive non-native species.
Belleville News-Democrat
Highland closes part of Silver Lake due to apparent petroleum spill
“We are also deploying our drone to try and locate the source,” city manager says.
KOCO - Oklahoma City Videos
Tornado causes significant damage in Cleveland County
Tornado causes significant damage in Cleveland County
CNN
Brazil’s floods smashed through barriers designed to keep them out, trapping water in for weeks — and exposing social woes
Despite economic growth that has lifted millions of people out of poverty, a number of social problems, including violent crime, still persist.
euronews Videos
Severe flooding wreaks havoc across northern Europe
Severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall has inundated Voeren and Liège in Belgium, as well as parts of France and Germany.View on euronews
Fox Weather
Flooding turns North Carolina speedway into a swimming pool for NASCAR crews
Strong to severe thunderstorms in North Carolina produced a quick 3-4" of rainfall across communities north of Charlotte on Saturday. Trees and tents were reported to be toppled over in the area of Wilkesboro, and flooding was seen around the speedway.
Sky News
Bear alert in Japan after man found dead and police officers mauled
People in northeastern Japan have been warned to stay vigilant after a man was found dead with gash wounds and police officers were left with serious injuries. Two officers were attacked on Saturday in Kazuno city, Akita prefecture, while recovering the missing man's body, Japanese media said. A police helicopter and cars are involved in the search for the bears.
The Weather Network
Muggy air means successive days of thunderstorm risk in Ontario
A summer-like atmosphere will cook up the risk for thunderstorms over the next several days in southern Ontario, with eyes on a U.S. situation that could see potent storms reach north of the border by mid-week
WPTZ - Burlington/Plattsburgh
Video: Warm and dry Monday, storms possible Tuesday (5-19-24)
Matt has more.
BBC
Polluted river where 50 fish found dead now 'safe'
Officials say there is no longer a need to keep animals away from the River Alyn after a chemical factory fire.
CBC
Officials outline B.C. wildfire supports amid 'harrowing times'
Officials are establishing support systems for thousands of evacuees displaced from their homes by wildfires in parts of British Columbia last week.In Fort Nelson and the Fort Nelson First Nation, 4,700 people had to leave their homes because of the Parker Lake blaze. A separate fire led to evacuation efforts in the Doig River First Nation and a portion of the Peace River Regional District near Fort St. John on Monday."Top of mind is always the impact that these wildfires and these evacuations h

Latest Stories