Earth under the influence of CH HSS, geomagnetic storm in progress

Earth is under the influence of a southern polar coronal hole high speed stream (CH HSS) which is stirring up geomagnetic storms.

Geomagnetic K-index of 5 (G1 – Minor geomagnetic storm) threshold was reached at 01:45 UTC today. 

Area of impact is primarily poleward of 60 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude.

Under G1-class storm conditions, weak power grid fluctuations can occur, minor impact on satellite operations are possible, aurora may be visible at high latitudes, i.e., northern tier of the U.S. such as northern Michigan and Maine. 

Space Weather Message Code: ALTK05
Serial Number: 770
Issue Time: 2015 Mar 01 0145 UTC

ALERT: Geomagnetic K-index of 5
Threshold Reached: 2015 Mar 01 0145 UTC
Synoptic Period: 0000-0300 UTC
 
Active Warning: Yes
NOAA Scale: G1 - Minor

NOAA Space Weather Scale descriptions can be found at
www.swpc.noaa.gov/noaa-scales-explanation

Potential Impacts: Area of impact primarily poleward of 60 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude.
Induced Currents - Weak power grid fluctuations can occur.
Spacecraft - Minor impact on satellite operations possible.
Aurora - Aurora may be visible at high latitudes, i.e., northern tier of the U.S. such as northern Michigan and Maine.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to persist at normal to moderate levels over the next three days (March 1 -3) with a chance for high levels towards the end of the forecast period due to a high speed solar wind stream effects.  

Solar wind parameters are expected to become further enhanced on March 1 and 2 as the negative polarity southern polar CH HSS moves into a more geoeffective position. Recurrence data suggests solar wind velocities in excess of 700 km/s and Bt values in excess of 20 nT could be observed during this event.

Unsettled to G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storm conditions are likely on March 1 and 2 due to effects of the recurrent negative polarity CH HSS. Quiet to active levels are expected on March 3 as CH HSS effects begin to subside.

Space Weather Message Code: WARK06
Serial Number: 253
Issue Time: 2015 Mar 01 0755 UTC

WARNING: Geomagnetic K-Index of 6 expected
Valid From: 2015 Mar 01 0755 UTC
Valid To: 2015 Mar 01 1300 UTC
Warning Condition: Onset
NOAA Scale: G2 - Moderate

NOAA Space Weather Scale descriptions can be found at
www.swpc.noaa.gov/noaa-scales-explanation

Potential Impacts: Area of impact primarily poleward of 55 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude.
Induced Currents - Power grid fluctuations can occur. High-latitude power systems may experience voltage alarms.
Spacecraft - Satellite orientation irregularities may occur; increased drag on low Earth-orbit satellites is possible.
Radio - HF (high frequency) radio propagation can fade at higher latitudes.
Aurora - Aurora may be seen as low as New York to Wisconsin to Washington state.

Featured image: SWPC