NOAA Doubles down on its G4 level geomagnetic storm predictions

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration  (NOAA) has been discussing possible strong geomagnetic storms for the past few days.  Discussions began in the Level 2 vicinity, but continued strong eruptions pointed toward earth from the sun have somewhat raised the ante.  Today, NOAA has issued its first G4 level geomagnetic storm warning since 2005.  In addition to muddying up the function of power grids, GPS, HF radio, etc. there is the (very remote) possibility that the Aurora Borealis could be seen “as far south as Alabama.”

NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) — a division of the National Weather Service — is monitoring the sun following a series of solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that began on May 8. Space weather forecasters have issued a Severe (G4) Geomagnetic Storm Watch for the evening of Friday, May 10. Additional solar eruptions could cause geomagnetic storm conditions to persist through the weekend.

• G4 conditions were observed by SWPC around 12:37 p.m. EDT today and significant to severe geomagnetic storming is likely to continue.
• (At 2:02 p.m. New Albany time, 5-10-2024)  A Severe (G4) Geomagnetic Storm is still likely this weekend

Always remember that these predictions are the best they can be…considering they are based on events taking place over 90 million miles away.

NOAA: possible effects of the storm:

Induced Currents – Possible widespread voltage control problems and some protective systems may mistakenly trip out key assets from the power grid. Induced pipeline currents intensify.
Spacecraft – Systems may experience surface charging; increased drag on low earth orbit satellites, and tracking and orientation problems may occur.
Navigation – Satellite navigation (GPS) degraded or inoperable for hours.
Radio – HF (high frequency) radio propagation sporadic or blacked out.
Aurora – Aurora may be seen as low as Alabama and northern California.

If you’re interested in checking out the  Northern Lights (remember, it’s highly unlikely around here), most guides say the most likely times will be between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. Friday night into Saturday morning. Find the darkest location possible, with good views of the northern horizon, and be as far north as possible.

More from NOAA: https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/news/swpc-issues-its-first-g4-watch-2005