The Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) — a division of the National Weather Service (NWS) — at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a severe G4 Geomagnetic Storm Watch for the evening of Friday, May 10. G4 is the second-highest grade of geomagnetic solar storm and additional solar disruptions may cause continued geomagnetic storm conditions through the weekend, according to NOAA.
Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and solar flares appear to be directed at the Earth, and the storms they produce at G4 intensity can potentially disrupt satellite communications such as GPS and certain internet connections, certain parts of the electrical power grid, radio signals as possible cell phone communications. The SWPC said it has notified the operators of these systems so they can take protective action.
