GoKawiilStudy maps US regions most at risk from a Carrington-level solar storm
A new study in AGU Advances models how a rare, extreme geomagnetic storm—similar in scale to the 1859 Carrington Event—would strain the modern US power grid. Researchers found the Northeast and Northern Plains, particularly higher-latitude areas, face the greatest risk of widespread grid failure, with total economic losses estimated at $1.5 to $2 billion per day.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
Unlike hurricanes or earthquakes, solar superstorms have no predictable schedule and could strike with little warning, yet they threaten transformers and grid infrastructure that would take months or years to replace. Because the grid's precise architecture is kept confidential for security reasons, researchers had to rely on engineering approximations rather than real data, underscoring how uncertain current preparedness estimates really are.
- Northeast and Northern Plains regions are most vulnerable to grid failure from a major solar storm
- Estimated economic losses range from $1.5 billion to $2 billion per day during such an event
- Experts warn the timing of the next severe storm is unpredictable and could happen anytime
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See Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: hardware.slashdot.org — Posted, 2026-09-06
Published there as: “Where a Massive Solar Storm Could Take Down the US Power Grid for Millions”
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