Aimee Walker
An urgent warning has been issued as a ‘severe’ geomagnetic storm hits the U.S.
Specialists say Earth faces the potential of significant disruptions as a powerful magnetic storm takes effect.
The phenomenon occurs when the solar wind exchanges energy with the space environment surrounding our planet, per the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC).
This can result in major changes in the currents, plasmas, and fields in the atmosphere of Earth.
Now, experts explain how this could result in disorder.
The news of a geomagnetic storm comes amid the devastating impact of ‘monster’ Hurricane Milton, which has wreaked havoc across Florida.
Forecasters say Milton is ‘an extremely dangerous hurricane,’ which has led to more than a million people evacuating the U.S. state, per The Guardian.
On the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, Milton is currently listed under Category 3, which is deemed a ‘major’ hurricane due to the potential for ‘significant loss of life and damage.’
According to CBS News, at least 16 people have been confirmed dead amid Hurricane Milton.
Authorities say it’s up to each local agency to determine how many of these deaths are storm-related. It’s also been warned there could be a discrepancy in the numbers as officials continue to assess the storm’s impact.
St. Lucie County Sheriff Keith Pearson told WPBF News: “We have lost some life,” although he wouldn’t elaborate further.
Milton’s arrival comes just two weeks after Hurricane Helene hit the Gulf Coast, killing at least 227 people across six states, per AP News.
According to an alert from SWPC, per Live Science, the geomagnetic storm may ‘impact ongoing recovery efforts for Hurricane Helene and Milton.’
In an October 10 update, SWPC warned: “G4 (Severe) levels remain likely with the watch still in effect and even a slight chance of G5 (Extreme) levels due to initial observations of the CME (coronal mass ejection) strength.”
Coronal mass ejections ‘are large expulsions of plasma and magnetic field from the Sun’s corona,’ per SWPC.
It’s expected to crack through the Earth’s atmosphere from Thursday to Friday (October 10 to 11) and may disrupt navigation systems by interfering with radio and GPS signals and electric power networks.
New York Officials have issued a warning to the public regarding the storm.
Aries Dela Cruz, a New York City Emergency Management spokesperson, said: “This geomagnetic solar storm potentially complicates Helene and Milton recovery efforts by disrupting communications, straining compromised power grids, and causing intermittent GPS issues.
“Our task forces and crews on the ground down there are aware of this complication.”
NYC’s Emergency Management X page, formerly Twitter, also posted: “While the public does not need to take any action at this time, we always encourage everyone to stay informed through Notify NYC and having an emergency plan in place that includes a Go Bag with an AM radio.
“Impacts to critical infrastructure, including GPS, power grids, and communications including inaccuracies or disruptions, are possible.”
Geomagnetic storms can also cause striking aurora displays to appear at exceptionally low altitudes, which may be visible over ‘much of the northern half of the country’ and ‘maybe as far south as Alabama to northern California.’
Well this is nuts….. Never thought I’d see the Northern Lights over New York City. #aurora #Auroraborealis #NYC #IphonePhoto pic.twitter.com/Utcmgadsyp
— Dan Martland (@DanTVusa) October 11, 2024
Aurora in New York City tonight? A patch of purple light appeared in the sky above Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridge while I was taking pictures. I am not sure if it is Aurora . It was subtle but very pretty . It is amazing! It stayed in the sky about 20 minutes. pic.twitter.com/K5rAhPw22R
— NetopViews (@ainewapps) October 11, 2024
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