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Earth Braces for Strong Geomagnetic Storm as Twin Solar Ejections Converge

Scientists expect two fast CMEs from Nov 9–10 to merge en route to Earth, raising the chance of a strong geomagnetic storm overnight into Nov 12.

Overview

  • Space‑weather labs at IKI RAS and the Institute of Solar‑Terrestrial Physics forecast G1–G2 activity late Nov 11 with a possible G3–G4 peak on Nov 12, noting a G5 scenario is not being considered.
  • The newer CME is estimated near 1,200 km/s and is modeled to overtake a slower Nov 9 ejection (~720 km/s), with initial effects possible around 18:00–20:00 Moscow time on Nov 11.
  • Solar activity remains elevated with roughly 15 flares in the past day, including X‑class events (X1.2–X1.79), and experts caution that further strong flares are possible.
  • Off Japan’s Iwate Prefecture, a M6.7–6.9 offshore quake on Nov 9 was followed by a M6.2 event and a M5.3 aftershock; no tsunami warnings or casualties were reported.
  • Across Russia, regional services report contrasting hazards: Siberia faces snow, winds up to 24 m/s and sharp cooling locally to −39°C, the Northwest expects stronger winds and cooling with a Neva water rise in St. Petersburg, the Urals see mixed rain and wet snow, and Buryatia is managing icy roads without travel bans.