Major solar storms hitting Earth in HOURS causing disruptions in US

"Late Sunday night, a major G3 geomagnetic storm struck the planet, and forecasters with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have warned that a G2 storm is expected to follow today. Geomagnetic storms occur when massive eruptions of plasma from the sun's outer layer temporarily disturb Earth's magnetic field. Imagine a strong gust of wind hitting a flagpole. These storms are measured on a scale from G1 (minor, like a light breeze) to G5 (extreme, like a hurricane)."

"While a G2 storm is considered moderate, it can still cause minor power grid fluctuations, slight satellite disruptions, and potential high-frequency radio blackouts. NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center said the peak of Monday's activity is expected to last until around 2pm ET. At least 11 states will likely be affected by Monday's ongoing solar activity, including Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Wyoming."

"The G3 storm that hit Sunday night and the G2 storm expected Monday both stem from a solar eruption on September 11. These storms, caused by solar wind and coronal mass ejections, typically take one to five days to reach Earth. In addition, solar flares are sending X-rays that could disrupt radio signals, with minor to moderate R1-R2 events possible this weekend. NOAA has estimated a 30 percent chance of these affecting high-latitude areas, including Alaska and northern states along the US-Canada border."

Late Sunday night a major G3 geomagnetic storm struck the planet and a G2 storm is expected Monday, raising disruption risks. Geomagnetic storms occur when massive plasma eruptions from the Sun's outer layer temporarily disturb Earth's magnetic field. A G2 storm can cause minor power grid fluctuations, slight satellite disruptions, and potential high-frequency radio blackouts. NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center forecasts peak activity through about 2pm ET Monday and lists at least 11 likely affected states, with others possible if the storm intensifies. Solar flares may produce R1-R2 X-ray events with a 30% chance of affecting high-latitude areas. The storm should weaken after midday Monday with minor or no activity Tuesday and Wednesday.

Read at Mail Online