Sudden G1 Geomagnetic Storm

   A unexpected G1 geomagnetic storm is underway. A coronal hole wind stream coming in from a coronal hole located in the southern region of the solar disk reached Earth At 00:42 UTC Feb 19, 2012. At that time, the CH winds connected with Earths magnetic field causing the onset of a G1 geomagnetic storm with the Kp levels remaining at the Kp4-Kp5 level. Watch for auroras in the northern US states






NOAA Alert:

Space Weather Message Code: WARK05
Serial Number: 747
Issue Time: 2012 Feb 19 0424 UTC
WARNING: Geomagnetic K-index of 5 expected
Valid From: 2012 Feb 19 0425 UTC
Valid To: 2012 Feb 19 0900 UTC
Warning Condition: Onset
NOAA Scale: G1 - Minor
Potential Impacts: Area of impact primarily poleward of 60 degrees
Geomagnetic Latitude.
Induced Currents - Weak power grid fluctuations can occur.
Spacecraft - Minor impact on satellite operations possible.
Aurora - Aurora may be visible at high latitudes, i.e., northern tier
of the U.S. such as northern Michigan and Maine.