Jackson, Mississippi – A rare G4 (Severe) solar storm is expected to impact Earth on Jan. 20, prompting increased monitoring of Mississippi’s power grid and critical technology systems as federal space weather officials track incoming solar activity.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center, a coronal mass ejection (CME) launched from the Sun late last week is forecast to arrive late Sunday into Monday. G4-level geomagnetic storms are uncommon and can interfere with power transmission systems, satellite operations, GPS accuracy, and some radio communications, particularly across large regional electrical networks.
Mississippi lies south of the regions most vulnerable to geomagnetic disturbances, and NOAA officials emphasize that widespread power outages are not expected. However, the state’s reliance on long transmission corridors, rural grid infrastructure, river transportation, and aviation routes makes monitoring important during severe space weather events.
For most residents, the solar storm itself will not be noticeable. Experts explain that geomagnetic activity can introduce electrical currents into long transmission lines, slightly reducing the grid’s margin for error. Utilities may increase system monitoring and take precautionary measures to protect sensitive equipment if conditions intensify.
Cell phone service and internet connectivity are expected to remain largely unaffected. However, minor GPS inaccuracies are possible, particularly affecting aviation operations, river navigation along the Mississippi River, agricultural precision systems, and timing networks used by utilities and emergency services.
Aurora displays are unlikely in Mississippi due to the state’s low latitude.
NOAA forecasters say geomagnetic activity could persist at lower levels into Tuesday as space weather conditions gradually stabilize.
