National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a Geomagnetic Storm Category G4 or Greater Prediction
In this Solar Maximum 11-year cycle, Geomagnetic Solar Storms effect on the planet and near-earth space could be severe and on Sunday 5-12-24. We have the potential for one of the most powerful solar system events known to man, which is a G5 Geomagnetic Storm, and could greatly affect our power grids and electronics.
Affected components could be spacecraft, power grids, navigation systems, and radio systems.
Space Weather Message Code: WATA99
Serial Number: 7
Issue Time: 2024 May 11 1753 UTC
- Highest Storm Level Predicted by Day:
- May 12: G5 (Extreme)
- May 13: G3 (Strong)
- May 14: G1 (Minor)
THIS NOAA SPWC WARNING SUPERSEDES ANY/ALL PRIOR WATCHES IN EFFECT
Potential Impacts: Area of impact primarily poleward of 45 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude.
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.
NOAA Space Weather Scale descriptions can be found at
www.swpc.noaa.gov/noaa-scales-explanation
NOAA Space Weather Solar Geomagnetic Storm Scale
| Scale | Description | Effect / Reaction |
| G5* | Extreme | Power systems: Some power grid systems may experience complete collapse or blackouts. Transformers may experience damage. Spacecraft operations: May experience extensive surface charging, problems with orientation, uplink/downlink, and tracking satellites. Other systems: HF (high frequency) radio transmission may be impossible in many areas for days or more. |
| G4 | Severe | Power systems: Possible widespread voltage control problems and some protective systems will mistakenly trip out key assets from the grid. Spacecraft operations: Possible surface charging, tracking, and orientation problems. Other systems: HF radio propagation is sporadic, satellite navigation is degraded for hours, and low-frequency radio navigation is disrupted. |
| G3 | Strong | Power systems: Voltage corrections may be required, and false alarms triggered on some protection devices. Spacecraft operations: Surface charging and drag may increase on low-Earth-orbit satellites, and corrections may be needed for orientation problems. Other systems: Intermittent satellite navigation and low-frequency radio navigation problems may occur, and HF radio may be intermittent. |
| G2 | Moderate | Power systems: High-latitude power systems may experience voltage alarms, and long-duration storms may cause transformer damage. Spacecraft operations: Corrective actions required and possible changes in drag affect orbit predictions. Other systems: HF radio propagation can fade at higher latitudes. |
| G1 | Minor | Power systems: Weak power grid fluctuations can occur. Spacecraft operations: Minor impact on satellite operations possible. Other systems: Migratory animals are affected at G1 and higher levels. |
Additional Geomagnetic Storm Information
For additional information please see our articles “What To Do Before a G5 or Greater Geomagnetic Storm?” and “Should You Be Worried About Weather-Caused Power Grid Outages?”
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