A powerful solar storm could bring a dazzling Northern Lights display later – as well as potentially disrupting GPS, communications systems and power grids.
The British Geological Survey upgraded its forecast to the highest level and said the ongoing storm had already interfered with communications and satellite navigation.
It said a second geomagnetic “cannibal storm”, feeding off the first, could reach the UK by early afternoon and be one of the biggest in 20 years.
A solar storm is an explosion of particles, energy, magnetic fields and material blasted into the solar system by the sun – and can disturb the Earth’s magnetic field, according to NASA.
The storm led to impressive sightings of the aurora borealis in some parts of the UK overnight and the same could happen tonight – weather permitting.
This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.
Please refresh the page for the latest version.
You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.
