Severe Solar Storm on the Horizon: Power Grids at Risk Amid Hurricane Recovery

This photo provided by NASA, taken by the Solar Dynamics Observatory, shows a solar flare, the bright flash in the center of the image.Photo bySolar Dynamics Observatory/NASA via AP/NASA

A severe solar storm is approaching Earth, potentially stressing power grids as the U.S. faces the impact of major hurricanes. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a geomagnetic storm watch for Thursday into Friday following a significant solar outburst earlier this week. 

This storm could temporarily disrupt power and radio signals, prompting NOAA to alert power plant operators and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) about possible power disruptions. This alert comes amid the urgent ongoing recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene and now as the impacts of Hurricane Milton are being assessed.

While the storm is not expected to be as severe as that which occurred last May, which was the strongest in over 20 years, its full impact will be known approximately 1 million miles away. According to NOAA forecasters, areas previously affected by Hurricane Helene could be more vulnerable to power grid impacts.

Aurora Borealis was seen from the Spelga Reservoir in Northern Ireland last May.Photo byDavid Kernan

In addition to potential power disruptions, the solar storm may create northern lights visible in regions as far south as the lower Midwest and Northern California. May's solar storm produced dazzling auroras across the Northern Hemisphere. The sun is currently near the peak of its 11-year cycle, a period of increased solar activity that is expected to last for a few more years, leading to more frequent and intense solar storms.