Experts are warning that the storm could worsen, potentially causing further disruptions and even exceeding the highest level on the geomagnetic storm scale. The storm is expected to continue into Friday, prompting officials to monitor its effects on infrastructure and provide warnings to impacted areas.

A massive X9-class solar flare erupts from the sun.

A bright X1.8-class solar flare erupts from the sun.

- An X1.4-class solar flare erupts from the sun, indicating continued solar activity.

- NOAA SWPC officials hold a press conference, warning of potential impacts from upcoming solar storms, including enhanced aurora displays.

- Around midday (11:17 a.m. EDT): A coronal mass ejection (CME) from the sun hits Earth.

- 12:57 p.m. EDT: The CME triggers a severe G4-class geomagnetic storm.

- NOAA issues a G4 geomagnetic storm watch, the second such watch since 2005.

- NOAA warns of potential impacts on power grids, GPS and radio communications, particularly in hurricane-affected areas like North Carolina and Florida.

- Evening: Northern lights potentially visible as far south as Alabama and northern California.

-The solar storm is expected to continue.

-NOAA SWPC indicates a possibility of the geomagnetic storm reaching G5 (Extreme) levels.

A previous series of massive solar flares and CMEs caused spectacular aurora displays visible as far south as Alabama and disrupted GPS-based services globally.

Knowledge Info:

1. What causes a geomagnetic storm?

- A geomagnetic storm is caused by the interaction of the Earth's magnetic field with a coronal mass ejection (CME) or high-speed solar wind stream from the Sun. This interaction disrupts the Earth's magnetosphere, leading to various effects.

2. What is a coronal mass ejection (CME)?

- A coronal mass ejection (CME) is a massive burst of plasma and magnetic field released from the Sun's corona. These ejections travel outward from the Sun and can reach Earth, causing geomagnetic storms if they are directed towards our planet.

3. What causes the aurora borealis (northern lights)?

- The aurora borealis, or northern lights, are caused by charged particles from the Sun interacting with the Earth's atmosphere. These particles collide with atmospheric gases, exciting them and causing them to emit light, creating colorful auroral displays.

- Geomagnetic Storm: A temporary disturbance of Earth's magnetosphere caused by a solar wind shock wave and/or cloud of magnetic field that interacts with the Earth's magnetic field.

- G-Scale: A five-level system (G1 to G5) used by NOAA to classify the severity of geomagnetic storms, with G5 being the most extreme.

- KP Index: A global geomagnetic activity index that measures the disturbance of Earth's magnetic field. It ranges from 0 to 9, with higher values indicating a stronger geomagnetic storm.

- Solar Cycle: The periodic change in the Sun's activity, including changes in the number of sunspots, solar flares, and CMEs. Each cycle lasts approximately 11 years.

Sources:

Space.com: "Solar storm bombarding Earth now may reach 'extreme' levels, sparking auroras down to Alabama and straining hurricane-weakened power grids"

NHK WORLD-JAPAN News: "US authorities warn 'severe' solar storm could disrupt communications"

Forbes: "Updated Northern Lights Forecast: Here’s Where Aurora Can Be Seen Tonight Amid Severe Geomagnetic Storm"

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