Severe Geomagnetic Storm Could Hit US, NOAA Warns

By Joe Lombardi From Daily Voice

Portions of the US electric grid are on alert due to a forecasted severe geomagnetic storm.

The Space Weather Prediction Center at NOAA announced Tuesday, Nov. 11, that a category G4 (severe) geomagnetic storm is expected to impact electrical grids in states north of the 45th parallel.

A powerful burst of solar energy is heading toward Earth, and NOAA says it could trigger a severe geomagnetic storm capable of disrupting parts of the US power grid and creating visible auroras far beyond the usual northern skies.

The alert follows several coronal mass ejections, or CMEs, that erupted from the Sun this week, including one tied to a powerful X5.1-class solar flare.

Officials said the latest CME is expected to arrive and partially impact the planet around midday Wednesday. 

“Confidence in an Earth-component to the most recent CME is high,” NOAA said, adding that the final intensity will depend on the storm’s orientation as it nears Earth.

This is only the fourth G4 watch issued so far this solar cycle (which is roughly 11 years), making it a rare event. 

The agency said some critical infrastructure systems could experience disruptions, though mitigation is possible. The public is urged to follow updates on NOAA’s website to stay informed.

According to NOAA’s summary, detrimental impacts to satellite operations and high-voltage power systems are possible, but widespread blackouts are not expected. 

The agency also noted that the aurora could become visible over much of the northern half of the country — possibly stretching as far south as Alabama to northern California.

NOAA’s current forecast includes a G2 (moderate) watch for Tuesday, a G4 (severe) watch for Wednesday, and a G3 (strong) watch for Thursday. 

Additional updates are expected as solar wind data arrives from satellites monitoring space weather about 1 million miles from Earth.

For the latest information and forecast alerts, visit spaceweather.gov.