NOAA has just notified us of a strong geomagnetic storm in progress. This occurred due to a large CME (coronal mass ejection) that occurred on February 9th. Again, I am unclear as to why NOAA/NASA waits three days to notify us. With SOHO on watch we know at the time it occurs and what direction the CME is heading.

Also, I am not sure as to how long a CME's hit will affect power grids, satellites, and radio waves. I have put a call into Barbara McGehan who is head of NOAA public affairs. Let's see what she has to say.
More on this later...
 

Strong Geomagnetic Storm In Progress...02/12/00
NOAA

A strong geomagnetic storm is in progress. The G3 storm conditions commenced following the detection of a shock at the Earth's magnetic field at 11Feb/2353Z. It is likely that this geomagnetic storm originated from a solar flare and associated coronal mass ejection that occurred on 9 Feb at around 2000Z. This level of disturbance routinely causes power grid fluctuations, increased atmospheric drag and surface charging on satellites. Intermittent navigation system problems, signal
fade of high-frequency (3-30 MHz) radio signals and auroral displays at mid-latitudes are also possible. Numerous auroral sightings have already been reported in New England.

Data used to provide space weather services are contributed by NOAA, USAF, NASA, NSF, USGS, the International Space Environment Services  and other observatories, universities, and institutions.

Mitch Battros
Producer - Earth Changes TV
http://www.earthchangesTV.com