Earth is under a barrage of solar storms that could disrupt power and communications throughout Monday.  

Late on Sunday night, a significant G3 geomagnetic storm impacted Earth, and experts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have cautioned that a G2 storm is anticipated for today. 

Geomagnetic storms occur when massive eruptions of plasma from the sun’s outer layer temporarily disturb Earth’s magnetic field. 

Consider a powerful wind striking a flagpole. These storms are ranked on a scale from G1 (minor, akin to a gentle breeze) to G5 (extreme, similar to a hurricane). 

Although a G2 storm is viewed as moderate, it can still lead to slight power grid fluctuations, minor satellite disruptions, and potential high-frequency radio blackouts. 

NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center said the peak of Monday’s activity is expected to last until around 2pm ET. 

At least 11 states will likely be affected by Monday’s ongoing solar activity, including Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Wyoming. 

New York, Oregon, South Dakota, and Wisconsin could also be in the path if the solar storm is strong enough. 

Solar winds and a potential coronal mass ejection on September 11 are believed to be the cause of the multiple geomagnetic storms

The G3 storm that hit Sunday night and the G2 storm expected Monday both stem from a solar eruption on September 11. 

These storms, caused by solar wind and coronal mass ejections, typically take one to five days to reach Earth.

In addition, solar flares are sending X-rays that could disrupt radio signals, with minor to moderate R1-R2 events possible this weekend. 

NOAA has estimated a 30 percent chance of these affecting high-latitude areas, including Alaska and northern states along the US-Canada border.

The storm is expected to weaken after midday Monday, with only minor or no activity forecasted for Tuesday and Wednesday. 

For most people in lower-latitude states, the storms will likely go unnoticed, though NOAA warned that unsettled geomagnetic conditions could continue to cause occasional radio blackouts.

However, Americans in areas that do see these effects regularly during solar activity have the best chance of catching the Northern Lights each night during a geomagnetic storm.

To improve your chances of seeing an aurora, go to a dark location away from city lights, face north, and use a space weather app for real-time updates.

The solar storm striking Earth has produced auroras and power disruptions since Sunday night over the northern US (Stock Image)

Power companies regularly take note of these forecasts and usually take steps to prevent serious problems during stronger storms, such as adjusting their grid settings.

If you rely on sensitive electronics or live in a high-latitude area, it’s recommended that you have a flashlight or backup power ready, just in case a solar storm is stronger than predicted.