Solar Storm Watch: Category G2 Geomagnetic Storm Predicted 2-18-23

Solar Storm Watch Category G2 Geomagnetic Storm Predicted 2-18-23
NOAA Space Weather

NOAA has issued a Space Weather Storm Watch over the next three days and a Category G2 Geomagnetic Storm is Predicted for Saturday February 18, 2023.

The following is the report from NOAA issued this morning.

Highest Geomagnetic Storm Level Predicted by Day:
Feb 16:  G1 (Minor)   Feb 17:  G1 (Minor)   Feb 18:  G2 (Moderate)

THIS SUPERSEDES ANY/ALL PRIOR WATCHES IN EFFECT

NOAA Space Weather Scale descriptions can be found at
www.swpc.noaa.gov/noaa-scales-explanation

Potential Impacts: Area of impact primarily poleward of 55 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude.
Induced Currents - Power grid fluctuations can occur. High-latitude power systems may experience voltage alarms.
Spacecraft - Satellite orientation irregularities may occur; increased drag on low Earth-orbit satellites is possible.
Radio - HF (high frequency) radio propagation can fade at higher latitudes.
Aurora - Aurora may be seen as low as New York to Wisconsin to Washington state.

If you have further questions, 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?"

NOAA Space Weather Solar Geomagnetic Storm Scale

ScaleDescriptionEffect / Reaction
G5*ExtremePower 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.
G4SeverePower 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 sporadic, satellite navigation degraded for hours, low-frequency radio navigation disrupted.
G3StrongPower 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.
G2ModeratePower 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.
G1MinorPower 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.

*This scale does not include unknown variables of a Solar Geomagnetic Storm stronger than a G5.

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John Mortensen

As a kid I wanted to be an astronaut, geologist, or scientist. I became a project manager which is involved with many of those things. I am a project manager and tech writer who researches the latest alternative and green technologies. We write helpful articles about green electronics and green technology products. AI, extreme weather, electric vehicles, are all in our future and we want to know the best way to deal with the effects of these on the power grid and emergency preparedness. https://techevaluate.com/author-bio-page-john-w-mortensen/

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