Key Points Summary on ‘Solar Storm Causes Northern Lights’:

• NOAA warns of a powerful solar storm hitting Earth Sunday.
• A coronal mass ejection triggered a severe geomagnetic storm watch.
• The storm could reach G4 or even G5 levels.
• Northern Lights may be visible as far south as Alabama.
• Storm may cause satellite drag and power grid disruptions.
• Aurora forecast looks clear for much of the U.S.
• Visibility may be blocked in the Desert Southwest due to storm clouds.

Solar Blast Set to Shock Earth

A massive solar storm is racing toward Earth—and it’s packing a punch. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) issued a severe warning for this weekend.

Experts say a coronal mass ejection (CME) blasted from the Sun Friday night. It’s set to strike Earth on Sunday, causing powerful geomagnetic activity.

The SWPC first issued a G3 (strong) watch but quickly upgraded it to G4 (severe). By Monday morning, the event could even hit G5—extreme territory.

Rare Sightings Possible Across the U.S.

This solar storm could paint the skies in electric greens and purples far from the usual Arctic zones. The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, might be visible across the northern half of the country. That includes areas as far south as Alabama and northern California.

The last time this occurred was during the May 10, 2024 storm, when residents in Florida and the Caribbean were treated to the rare display.

Not Just Pretty Lights

Though the auroras are mesmerizing, the storm could cause real problems. High-voltage systems could see disruptions. Satellite operators are on edge. Low Earth orbit spacecraft might experience increased drag. Radio frequencies could suffer interference.

“Space weather isn’t just a sky show—it’s serious,” warned a SWPC spokesperson.

Watching the Skies and the Forecast

According to NOAA, visibility should be excellent across much of the country. Cloud cover, however, could block the view in parts of the Desert Southwest. Remnants of Tropical Storm Alvin are expected to hang over that region.

Still, conditions look promising from the Plains to the East Coast.

What Is a Geomagnetic Storm?

A geomagnetic storm occurs when solar wind and magnetic fields interact with Earth’s magnetosphere. It shakes up the magnetic environment, triggering beautiful auroras but also sparking disruptions.

These events are ranked from G1 to G5. This one? It could push into the highest tier.

Impacts on Earth and in Orbit

NOAA officials say human health is not at risk. However, ground systems, especially in rural areas, may see electrical disturbances. Pilots and military operations using high-frequency radio could experience signal loss.

Satellites, including GPS services, are also under watch. Operators are scrambling to prepare.

A Sky Show You Don’t Want to Miss

If you’re hoping to catch the Northern Lights, your best bet is to look up Sunday night into early Monday. Head somewhere dark, away from city lights.

Grab your camera. Bring a jacket. And prepare to witness something few Americans ever see.

Because when a solar storm causes Northern Lights this far south, it’s not just science—it’s magic.

Stay tuned to NOAA for real-time updates as this storm makes its historic sweep across our skies.