Geomagnetic storms occur when charged particles from the sun collide with Earth’s atmosphere, creating auroras.

For the unversed, a severe geomagnetic storm occurs when the Earth's magnetic field is disturbed by magnetic field or plasma structures, such as corotating interaction regions (CIRs) and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These materials are occasionally ejected by the sun and appear to have a somewhat bubble-like structure.

Increased solar activity causes auroras that dance around Earth’s poles, known as the northern lights, or aurora borealis, and southern lights, or aurora australis. When the energized particles from coronal mass ejections reach Earth’s magnetic field, they interact with gases in the atmosphere to create different colored lights in the sky.

Officials say the CME is expected to arrive at and partially impact Earth around mid-day on November 12. “The potential for elevated geomagnetic response and dependent upon the orientation of the embedded magnetic field, potential exists for Severe Storm levels,” NWSSPWC said.

A severe geomagnetic storm put the power grids in at least 11 states at risk this week, posing a threat to millions.

The third coronal mass ejection (CME) arrived on November 12, but its initial impact was surprisingly weaker than expected.

A massive G4 solar storm is racing toward Earth — phone networks, GPS, and power grids face chaos. Here’s what you must know before it hits.

The NOAA issued ongoing space weather alerts in 2025, noting that solar activity, including minor radio blackouts (R1 level), could cause voltage control problems and contribute to grid instability. Such events can lead to protective systems inaccurately tripping critical assets, compounding operational challenges for grid managers.