Solar storm could strain power grids as US grapples with major hurricanes: NPR

This photo provided by NASA, taken by the Solar Dynamics Observatory, shows a solar flare, the bright flash at the center of the image, on October 3, 2024.

Solar Dynamics Observatory/NASA via AP/NASA

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Solar Dynamics Observatory/NASA via AP/NASA

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — A major solar storm is heading toward Earth that could place even greater strain on power grids as the U.S. grapples with back-to-back major hurricanes, space weather researchers said Wednesday.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued a severe geomagnetic storm warning for Thursday through Friday after a solar flare was detected earlier this week. Such a storm could temporarily disrupt power and radio signals.

NOAA has directed operators of power plants and orbiting spacecraft to take precautions. It also warned the Federal Emergency Management Agency of possible power outages as the agency deals with the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene and prepares for Hurricane Milton, which is heading across the Gulf of Mexico toward Florida.

Meteorologists do not expect the latest solar storm to surpass the storm that hit Earth in May, which was the strongest in more than two decades. But they won't know for sure until it's just 1.6 million kilometers away and space probes can measure it.

Florida is far enough south to avoid blackouts from the solar surge unless it gets much larger, said scientist Rob Steenburgh of NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center.

“That adds a little more comfort,” said Steenburgh. “We’re here to let them know so they can prepare.”

Experts are more concerned about potential impacts to power grids in areas hit by Hurricane Helene two weeks ago, said NOAA space weather forecaster Shawn Dahl.

The storm could also trigger northern lights in the southern United States, the lower Midwest and northern California, according to NOAA, but exact locations and times are uncertain. Sky watchers are reminded to point their smartphones upward for photos; The devices can often capture northern lights that the human eye cannot.

The May solar storm produced dazzling auroras across the Northern Hemisphere and caused no major disruption.

The Sun is nearing the peak of its current 11-year cycle, triggering all current solar activity.