The powerful geomagnetic storm that will make the northern lights visible to much of the US has been upgraded to a Level 6, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric announced in an updated warning.
“Extreme” G5 conditions reached Earth from the sun shortly before 7 p.m. Friday night — the first geomagnetic storm of such magnitude since 2003, according to the federal agency.
The Level 6 warning, which is expected through Saturday evening, could impact the power grid at latitudes north of 55 degrees, which is north of the contiguous United States.
GPS systems, satellite navigation and other technologies could also be impacted, according to NOAA.
“We’re monitoring the potential impacts of this geomagnetic storm, which will continue through Monday morning,” New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement.
“State personnel are coordinating with industry stakeholders & the federal government. There have been no reported impacts to the electrical grid or radio communications,” she added.
The storm will make the northern lights visible as far south as Alabama.
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