Cleveland, Ohio – A narrow window opens late Sunday night for northern Ohio residents to catch a rare glimpse of the northern lights as a solar storm reaches peak intensity.
According to the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, a G2 (moderate) geomagnetic storm will strengthen between 11 p.m. Sunday and 2 a.m. Monday, pushing aurora visibility farther south into the lower Great Lakes. The event is tied to lingering solar eruption energy combined with a fast-moving solar wind stream.
The best chance to see the aurora will be near Lake Erie, including Toledo, Cleveland, Sandusky, and Ashtabula. Viewing conditions improve significantly north of U.S. Route 30, where darker skies and a clear northern horizon increase visibility potential. Faint green or pink light bands may appear low in the sky.
Drivers along I-90 and the Ohio Turnpike could notice unusual sky glow overnight, though no travel impacts are expected. Residents should seek out dark, open areas away from city lights and allow time for eyes to adjust.
Cloud cover may limit visibility at times, but partial clearing could develop overnight. Geomagnetic activity may linger into early Monday, with additional updates possible if storm strength increases.
