Reports: Incoming Solar Flares Could Wipe Out Missouri Grid & Net

It sounds like a science fiction movie plot, but it's not impossible. There are reports that the numerous incoming solar flares could damage or even wipe out Missouri's power grid and internet.

If you're not aware, there are at least 5 solar flares expected to begin impacting Earth as early as today (Friday). That could mean the Northern Lights will be visible over Missouri and Illinois. Some reports say they could be viewable as far south as Alabama. But, the CME's could present a much more dire problem.

The Financial Post says the solar flare activity could even damage the power grid in Missouri and GPS navigation. Metro even goes so far as to say that the CME's could "take out the internet".

The threat of these solar flares to Missouri and the rest of the world is real.

For the first time in 19 years, NOAA has issued a "Solar Storm Warning". But, so far the only expected casualty will be radio communications. Here is the exact wording from NOAA:

Radio - Wide area blackout of HF (high frequency) radio communication for about an hour.

There are many unknowns about the incoming solar flares, but it would take something almost unprecedented for us to experience a Carrington Event like the one that happened in September of 1859. A solar flare like that one could potentially damage the power grid and internet.

Let's not be too sensational. The official warnings from NOAA are what I would rely on at this point. Until we hear that vital systems are in danger, let's not jump to that conclusion. However, it's important to know that kind of event is very possible.  Perhaps even today.