US gov’t issues highest level warning for geomagnetic storm currently impacting Earth — Potential to reach ‘Extreme’ category on NOAA scale; “Complete collapse” of grid systems possible

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Just In: US gov’t issues highest level warning for geomagnetic storm currently impacting Earth — Potential to reach ‘Extreme’ category on NOAA scale; “Complete collapse” of grid systems possible (ENENews, Sep 13, 2014):

Space Weather Alerts, NOAA / Space Weather Prediction Center, Sept. 13, 2014:

Extension to Serial Number: 43 (Issued 2:48a ET Sept. 13, 2014)

  • Space Weather Message Code: WARK07 [Highest level geomagnetic warning]
  • EXTENDED WARNING: Geomagnetic K-index of 7 or greater expected
  • Comment: Extended warning due to continued potential for geomagnetic storming from the 10 Sep CME
  • Valid Until: 12:00p ET Sept. 13, 2014
  • Warning Condition: Persistence
  • Potential Impacts: Area of impact primarily poleward of 50 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude
  • Induced Currents – Power system voltage irregularities possible, false alarms may be triggered on some protection devices

Serial Number: 43 (Issued 7:07p ET Sept. 12, 2014)

  • WARNING: Geomagnetic K-index of 7 or greater expected
  • Valid To: 3:00a ET Sept. 13, 2014
  • Warning Condition: Persistence
  • NOAA Scale: G3 or greater – Strong to Extreme
  • Potential Impacts: Area of impact primarily poleward of 50 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude
  • Induced Currents – Power system voltage irregularities possible, false alarms may be triggered on some protection devices
  • Navigation – Intermittent satellite navigation (GPS) problems, including loss-of-lock and increased range error may occur

Extreme — (G5) on NOAA Space Weather Scale for Geomagnetic Storms

  • Effect on Power Systems: Widespread voltage control problems and protective system problems can occur, some grid systems may experience complete collapse or blackouts. Transformers may experience damage
  • Effect on Other Systems: Pipeline currents can reach hundreds of amps, HF (high frequency) radio propagation may be impossible in many areas for one to two days, satellite navigation may be degraded for days, low-frequency radio navigation can be out for hours, and aurora has been seen as low as Florida and southern Texas (typically 40° geomagnetic lat.)

See also: Gov’t Expert: “There’s been a giant magnetic explosion on sun… it’s pointed right at us” — CBC: “One of biggest possible” solar flares — NOAA: Coronal mass ejections arrived; Strong G3 level storm to hit Saturday — TV: Largest nuclear operator in US “prepared to take action… to protect our systems” (VIDEO)

2 thoughts on “US gov’t issues highest level warning for geomagnetic storm currently impacting Earth — Potential to reach ‘Extreme’ category on NOAA scale; “Complete collapse” of grid systems possible”

  1. If it happens, I’ll believe it.
    Sounds like more US hype to me.
    I read about the possible breakdowns from solar storms due to hit earth today……..but, as usual, the US hits the drama button……Lets discuss tomorrow when it is over.
    Like Y2K, see how many fools can jump in fear.

    Reply

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