Severe ‘Geomagnetic Storm’ could lead to visible Northern Lights in Seattle

You’ll want to look up tonight, Seattle! With clear skies in the forecast, there’s a chance you’ll be able to catch the Northern Lights in Seattle on Friday.

According to NOAA space weather forecasters, they “have observed at least seven coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from the sun, with impacts expected to arrive on Earth as early as midday Friday, May 10, and persist through Sunday, May 12, 2024.”

The NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) has also issued a Severe (G4) Geomagnetic Storm Watch for Friday evening. In a post on X, they add that this is the first G4 geomagnetic issued since 2005.

As well, more solar eruptions could cause geomagnetic storm conditions to persist through the weekend. Clinton Wallace, Director, NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, states that this is “an unusual and potentially historic event.”

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The coronal mass ejections (or CMEs) cause geomagnetic storms when they are directed at Earth, states the NOAA.

Due to the severe geomagnetic storms, the NOAA warns that it can actually “impact infrastructure in near-Earth orbit and on Earth’s surface, potentially disrupting communications, the electric power grid, navigation, radio and satellite operations.”

These storms also trigger “spectacular displays of aurora on Earth,” and with this being so severe, it will be visible in the northern half of the country, as well as far south as Alabama and Northern California.

So be sure to look up!