A severe solar storm fueled by an intense solar flare could reach “extreme” levels as it bombards Earth, officials from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) warned on Thursday (Oct 10).

Scientists from NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Group (SWPC) said a cloud of charged solar material, called a coronal mass ejection, crashed into Earth around noon, causing a “severe” geomagnetic storm that could impact power grids, GPS and radio communication systems. and enhances aurora displays in areas where they are not normally seen.