Washington, D.C. – A strong geomagnetic storm is expected to impact the United States tonight, with space weather experts warning that the aurora may become visible far farther south than normal—potentially reaching as far south as Texas, according to NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC).
The agency issued a G3 (Strong) Geomagnetic Storm Warning Wednesday evening as intensified solar wind from a coronal hole streams toward Earth. G1–G3 storm levels are possible throughout the night, with G3 conditions already observed shortly after 3:30 p.m. EST.
According to NOAA, strong geomagnetic storms can push the aurora equatorward, expanding visibility beyond typical northern locations. Under G3 conditions, the Northern Lights may be visible across portions of New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Washington state, Oregon, and potentially deep into the southern U.S., including parts of Oklahoma and Texas, if skies are clear and dark.
Aurora visibility depends heavily on timing, light pollution, and cloud cover, but tonight’s storm offers one of the widest U.S. viewing opportunities of the season.
Beyond the light show, NOAA warns that geomagnetic storms can affect power grids, satellite operations, GPS performance, and high-frequency communications, especially at higher latitudes. Impacts are not guaranteed but are possible if storm intensity fluctuates during the evening.
Forecasters note that geomagnetic activity may vary, with periods of strengthening or weakening as the solar wind disturbance continues. Residents hoping to see the aurora should monitor conditions into the late-night and early-morning hours, looking northward away from city lights.
NOAA says technological operators and critical infrastructure sectors have been notified to ensure readiness.
More updates and real-time storm levels can be found at spaceweather.gov.
