A severe geomagnetic storm could strain the power grid as recovery from major hurricanes continues

A severe solar storm that hit Earth on Thursday could put even more strain on power grids as the United States continues to be hit by major hurricanes, according to space weather reports.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said on Thursday that a coronal mass ejection (CME) ejected from the sun reached Earth around 11 a.m

The Space Weather Prediction Center issued several alerts and alerts for geomagnetic storm conditions, and on Thursday Earth experienced severe level G4 conditions.

NOAA said a severe geomagnetic storm is a large disturbance in the Earth's magnetic field. The storms often exhibit varying intensities between lower levels and severe storm conditions over the course of the event.

A geomagnetic storm is expected to hit Earth after the fall equinox

This image, provided by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, shows a solar flare at right, captured in the extreme ultraviolet light region of the spectrum, colored in red and yellow. (NASA/SDO via AP)

Geomagnetic storms could impact the power grid, satellites and GPS technology.

“Stormy conditions are expected to develop overnight as the CME progresses,” NOAA said on its website. “Variations due to CME passage will lead to periods of weakening and escalation in geomagnetic storm strengths.”

Earlier this week, NOAA issued a severe geomagnetic storm warning for Thursday through Friday after a solar flare was detected. A geomagnetic storm can temporarily disrupt power and radio signals.

In preparation for the storm, NOAA urged power plant operators and controllers of spacecraft orbiting the planet to take precautions.

Geomagnetic storm hits Earth, creates northern lights and disrupts radio communications

A power transformer explodes, producing a light in the background, as Hurricane Milton makes landfall in Fort Myers, Florida, on Wednesday. (Chandan Khanna/AFP via Getty Images)

NOAA also notified the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) of possible power outages as it deals with the devastation left by Hurricane Helene and now Hurricane Milton, which struck as a Category 3 storm near Siesta Key, Florida, on Wednesday evening. hit land. Wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour.

Space weather researchers do not expect the latest solar storm to surpass the one that hit Earth in May, which was the strongest in more than 20 years.

Florida is far enough south to avoid power disruptions from the solar surge unless it becomes much larger, scientist Rob Steenburgh of NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center told The Associated Press on Wednesday.

AFTER “STRONG SOLAR ACTIVITY,” ANOTHER LIGHTS COULD BE SEEN IN SOME PARTS OF THE US THIS WEEK

NOAA issued a severe geomagnetic storm warning after a coronal mass ejection hit Earth earlier this week. (NOAA)

“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.

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

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

The Associated Press contributed to this report.