Solar Storm Highlights Fragility of Modern Power

A powerful solar storm tied to a fast coronal mass ejection triggered an S4-level solar radiation alert — the highest in over 20 years — and prompted warnings about potential effects on satellites, aviation and power systems.

A powerful solar storm was detected after a fast coronal mass ejection from the Sun. U.S. space weather authorities reported an S4 severe solar radiation event, which they described as the largest in more than 20 years. Forecasters said they were analysing data and running models to refine the storm’s timing and expected impacts. What officials report: - The U.S. Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) announced an S4 severe solar radiation storm in progress and noted it was the largest such storm since October 2003. - NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center confirmed the event reached a high alert level for solar radiation, with potential effects noted for satellites, aviation and related operations. - The U.K. Met Office and other forecasters said if the coronal mass ejection has a geoeffective magnetic orientation, strong (G3) or severe (G4) geomagnetic storm conditions are possible and auroras could appear farther south than usual. - Officials and experts noted possible impacts include degraded satellite and high-frequency radio performance, aviation route adjustments, and risks to power systems from induced currents, while protective measures vary by equipment and location. Summary: The storm underscores potential vulnerabilities in satellite, aviation and electrical systems and has drawn focused monitoring from space weather agencies. Forecasters continue to analyse observations and update models. Undetermined at this time.