Solar storm hitting Earth may possibly reach 'extreme' levels

A critical solar storm which was sparked by an intense Sun flare can possibly reach "extreme" levels as it bombards Earth, US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) officials warned on Thursday.

A cloud of charged solar material known as a coronal mass ejection (CME) slammed into Earth around midday, the scientists from the NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Group (SWPC) said, reported Space.

This triggered a "severe" geomagnetic storm that can potentially impact power grids and GPS and radio communications systems along with amplifying aurora displays in regions that typically don't see them.

"When skies are clear, the aurora (northern lights) could be visible as far south as Alabama and northern California tonight," SWPC officials said.

Disclosing that the solar storm will continue till Friday, the officials added: "There is still a possibility that we could reach G5 (Extreme) levels.”

Moreover, among specific concerns are the potential impacts to infrastructure on Earth. Radio blackouts and other interference associated with severe geomagnetic storms can affect them.

Notably, some states like North Carolina and Florida, which are already experiencing widespread power blackouts as a result of the effects of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, are likely to be more at risk from the solar storm, the NOAA officials warned.

It is also important to know that Thursday's G4 geomagnetic storm follows a similar event that happened in May of this year. During that event, a series of massive solar flares sent multiple CMEs toward Earth, resulting in spectacular northern lights displays as far south as Alabama. For the current storm, similar effects on auroras were possible, as per a SWPC official.