Huge Solar Storm May Cause Missouri & Illinois Power Grid Issues

Let's not panic, but you need to know that an incoming solar storm may cause power grid issues in both Missouri and Illinois according to a bulletin from NOAA's Space Weather experts.

NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center just issued this alert for a G4-level solar storm that is happening right now that has been classified as "severe". The warning included the following specifics about what is in danger. I'm sharing their exact words so that I don't exaggerate.

"Possible widespread voltage control problems and some protective systems may mistakenly trip out key assets from the power grid. Induced pipeline currents intensify."

They also issued this status on Facebook to alert the public.

Is this likely a Carrington-level event? No. Could it mean some power outages are possible? Absolutely.

Space Weather said this was previously thought to be a G3-level solar storm, but that's now been upgraded. It's so intense that the Northern Lights were visible over all of Missouri and Illinois Sunday night, August 11.

As this is a developing story, it will be updated if new details and/or updates are offered by NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center about this huge solar event.