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yesterday

CME from May 31 Solar Flare Strikes Earth, Severe G4 Storm Expected June 2

NOAA forecasts power grid fluctuations, satellite signal degradation, widespread aurora displays following the CME’s arrival.

Image
The incoming coronal mass ejection (CME) erupted from the sun in the early hours of May 31.
Aurora borealis, or northern lights, shine in the sky on August 12, 2024 in Mohe, Heilongjiang Province of China
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a rare geomagnetic storm watch

Overview

  • The M8.1 solar flare launched from Active Region 4100 on May 31 sent a fast coronal mass ejection that arrived at Earth’s magnetosphere around 1:30 AM ET on June 1 with solar wind speeds peaking near 1000 km/s.
  • NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center has placed a G4 – Severe geomagnetic storm watch on June 2 and anticipates G3 conditions on June 1 with a return to G2 levels on June 3.
  • FEMA has been alerted to prepare for geomagnetically induced currents that could cause voltage irregularities and protective shutdowns in high-latitude power grids.
  • Satellite operators may encounter increased atmospheric drag and orientation disturbances while GPS and HF radio users could face intermittent outages and signal fades.
  • The auroral oval is expected to expand to geomagnetic latitudes of 45°–50°, making northern lights visible in states such as Alabama, Oregon, Illinois and northern California.