A Rare G4 Geomagnetic Storm Watch Issued for New England
NOAA officials have issued a rare storm watch for New England as a severe G4 geomagnetic storm is expected to impact the region on Friday. This storm, caused by recent solar activity, could result in widespread voltage control problems and other issues.
The upcoming storm could also lead to the appearance of the northern lights as far south as Alabama and northern California. The recent solar activity, which began on May 8 with a large cluster of sunspots producing several moderate to strong solar flares, has been closely monitored by experts.
One of the largest and most active sunspots seen in this solar cycle, known as AR3664, is about 124,000 miles across. Several coronal mass ejections directed towards Earth could arrive as early as midday on Friday and persist through Sunday, according to NOAA.
The agency warns that the geomagnetic storm could impact infrastructure in near-Earth orbit and on the Earth’s surface, potentially disrupting communications, power grid operations, and satellite functions. This is the first time a storm watch has been issued for a G4 since January 2005, with only three severe geomagnetic storms observed in the current solar cycle so far.
Residents in New England are advised to stay informed about the situation and be prepared for potential power outages and disruptions. Stay tuned to Guam News Factor for further updates on this developing situation.
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