NOAA issues geomagnetic storm watch

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is announcing the first geomagnetic storm watch since the early 2000s.

According to a spokesperson for NOAA, at least five solar flares have been spotted and are expected to reach the earth by mid-day today, and continue throughout the weekend.

Some of those flares are 16 times the diameter of the earth, according to NOAA.

Experts said that there is a possibility for New Englanders to get a glimpse of the lights that the flares will cast, also called the northern lights.

Large sunspot groups and strong solar flares led to the issuance of SWPC’s first G4 Watch since 2005… pic.twitter.com/oi55cTPXhP

— NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (@NWSSWPC) May 9, 2024