A Solar Storm Watch is issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)'s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) to warn of an increased likelihood of a geomagnetic storm impacting Earth.
These storms are caused by eruptions on the Sun called coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that send clouds of charged particles hurtling towards Earth. When these particles collide with our planet's magnetosphere, it can cause disturbances that impact our technology and infrastructure.
The severity of a solar storm watch is determined by the predicted strength of the geomagnetic storm. There are different scales used to measure these storms, but a recent watch was for a G4 storm, which could cause widespread power grid problems.
The storm watch is in effect for Friday, May 10th evening through Saturday, May 11th. The watch is due to at least five earth-directed coronal mass ejections (CMEs) observed over the past few days. These CMEs are expected to impact Earth's magnetosphere and could cause disruptions to power grids, communication systems, and satellites.
Here are some of the potential impacts of a G4 geomagnetic storm:
- Power grid fluctuations: The induced currents from the storm could cause weak fluctuations in power grids, particularly at higher latitudes.
- Satellite disruptions: The storm could disrupt the operation of satellites, which could impact GPS navigation, radio communications, and other satellite-based services.
- Aurora borealis and australis: The storm could cause auroras (northern lights) to be visible at lower latitudes than usual.
breakdown of what to expect:
Minor Storm:
These may cause brief power outages or disruptions to electronics. Recovery is usually quick, within hours or a day.
Major Storm:
This could lead to widespread blackouts, damage to power grids, and communication infrastructure. Recovery times could be weeks to months as damaged equipment is repaired or replaced.
Here are some steps you can take to prepare for and recover from a solar storm:
Before a Storm:
- Stay informed by following updates from reliable sources like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) https://www.noaa.gov/
- Have a battery-powered radio and flashlight on hand.
- Consider a backup power source like a generator.
- Ensure you have a non-perishable food and water supply that can last for several days.
- Charge essential electronics like phones and laptops.
During a Storm:
- Stay indoors if possible to avoid electrical hazards.
- Unplug sensitive electronics to protect them from power surges.
- Follow instructions from emergency personnel.
After a Storm:
- Be cautious of damaged power lines and electrical equipment.
- Only use generators safely and according to instructions.
- Help neighbors in need if it's safe to do so.
Remember, the severity of the storm will dictate the recovery effort. By staying informed and taking precautions, you can be better prepared to weather a solar storm.
You can stay up-to-date on the latest space weather forecasts by visiting the SWPC website: https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/forecasts