Solar Storm Today: Is the Power Grid at Risk?
Is a solar storm hitting Earth today? This page shows the current geomagnetic storm level from NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, what it means for the power grid, and what, if anything, you should do. The numbers update automatically every hour.
No geomagnetic storm. The power grid is under normal conditions.
- Kp index now
- 1.3
- Highest in 24 h
- 1.3
- Radio blackout chance (R1+) today
- 20%
- Updated
- Nov 14, 13:17 UTC
Data: NOAA SWPC
Next 3 days (NOAA forecast)
Kp index: last 3 days and forecast
NOAA watches and warnings
- No geomagnetic storm watches or warnings are in effect.
What each storm level means for the power grid
| Level | Kp | Effect on power systems (NOAA) | How often |
|---|---|---|---|
| G1 Minor | 5 | “Weak power grid fluctuations can occur.” | ~900 days per 11-year cycle |
| G2 Moderate | 6 | “High-latitude power systems may experience voltage alarms, long-duration storms may cause transformer damage.” | ~360 days |
| G3 Strong | 7 | “Voltage corrections may be required, false alarms triggered on some protection devices.” | ~130 days |
| G4 Severe | 8 | “Possible widespread voltage control problems and some protective systems will mistakenly trip out key assets from the grid.” | ~60 days |
| G5 Extreme | 9 | “Widespread voltage control problems and protective system problems can occur.” | ~4 days |
Source: NOAA Space Weather Scales. A solar storm is not the same as a nuclear EMP: it builds over hours, NOAA usually warns ahead, and it mostly stresses long power lines and transformers rather than small electronics.
What to do at each level
Nothing special. A good time to check that your kit is ready.
Your first 72 hours plan ›Charge phones and power banks and top up water. Outages are unlikely but possible in northern areas.
How much food and water to store ›Follow your utility and local officials. Keep lights and a radio that work without the grid.
Protect your electronics ›