'Severe' Geomagnetic Storm To Hit NYC: Here's What We Know

NEW YORK CITY — A severe G-4 level geomagnetic storm is expected to sweep through New York City area on Thursday, potentially leading to spotty internet, cell and radio service, space weather forecasters said.

A geomagnetic storm is when the planet's magnetic field is disrupted, leading to issues like radio communication blackouts and satellite functionality, which help critical infrastructure and technology function, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The forecasted geomagnetic storm is predicted to result from a strong X-class solar flare and coronal mass ejection from the sun's surface on Oct. 8, which released a burst of energy and particles that travel toward Earth and enter the atmosphere.

As part of its side effects, forecasters said it's possible the aurora borealis, which occurs when solar wind interacts with the Earth's atmosphere, will be visible in the northern half of the country and may stretch "as far as Alabama and northern California.”

As of 11 a.m. on Thursday in New York City, the storm is currently at its onset at a G1 level but is expected to climb up to G4, which is severe, according to the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center. This would be only the second geomagnetic storm of that level of severity in 20 years, according to forecasters.

"NYC Emergency Management is monitoring a potential severe geomagnetic storm that may impact New York City on October 10-11. Our federal partners from the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) have issued a Geomagnetic Storm Watch," NYC Emergency Management officials tweeted on Wednesday.

But, because it's a geomagnetic storm, there will be no difference in the weather, which is predicted to be sunny, with a high of 61 degrees on Thursday and a high of 67 degrees Friday, according to Accuweather.

"While the public does not need to take any action at this time, we always encourage everyone to stay informed through Notify NYC and having an emergency plan in place that includes a Go Bag with an AM radio," NYC Emergency Management officials said in a tweet.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.