First Severe G5 Geomagnetic Storm in 20 Years Hits Earth, Disrupts Power and Communications

May 10, 2024, 08:30 PM

A severe G5 geomagnetic storm, the first in over 20 years, has struck Earth, causing widespread visibility of the Northern Lights across the U.S., including in Northern California and Alabama, and potential disruptions to power grids and communication systems. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a rare geomagnetic storm watch following intense solar activity, including multiple coronal mass ejections. This extreme solar event, which is the most severe on the geomagnetic storm scale, has led to auroras being visible as far south as Florida and Texas. The storm, which began impacting Earth on Friday, is expected to continue affecting various technological systems and power infrastructures throughout the weekend.