Millions saw unexpected northern lights, as a wild solar storm unfolded across the world

(CNN) — For two nights, dazzling auroras delighted sky-gazers in unexpected places, including in the US as far south as Florida. The cause: dual solar storms unleashed by the sun reaching Earth.

A severe storm was initially predicted for Thursday as well, with the potential for the northern tier of the US to see auroras again in the evening. Forecasters at the National Weather Service’s Space Weather Prediction Center now believe Wednesday night might have been the last opportunity for the most intense conditions.

In addition to creating auroral displays, geomagnetic storms can disruptcommunications, the power grid and satellite operations. The Space Weather Prediction Center said it had otified power grid and satellite operators in the US so they could prepare.

The British Geological S