Solar Storm Sparks Widespread US Blackouts, Leaving 1.4 Million in Darkness
Puerto Rico Plunged Into Darkness Amid Geomagnetic Storm
(Include image: Crowd in darkened San Juan street with caption: "Over 1.4 million lost power during the island-wide blackout.")
More than 1.4 million people in Puerto Rico faced a total power outage on Wednesday, with authorities linking the crisis to a simultaneous severe geomagnetic storm. The island’s energy grid collapsed around 12:40 PM local time—coinciding with a solar storm reaching Earth, classified as a G4 (severe) event on the 1–5 scale.
Solar Storm’s Role in Grid Collapse
Geomagnetic storms, caused by solar plasma bursts from the sun, can disrupt Earth’s magnetic field and induce harmful currents in power infrastructure. Dr. Tamitha Skov, a space weather physicist, noted the outage aligned with the storm’s intensification. G4 storms risk overloading transformers via geomagnetically induced currents (GICs), which may have strained Puerto Rico’s fragile grid during peak daytime usage.
Luma Energy, the grid operator, restored 90% of power by Thursday. However, officials are investigating whether solar-induced currents or physical grid failures caused the collapse. Governor Jenniffer González suggested possible breaker explosions or vegetation interference with transmission lines.
(Include image: Satellite view of solar storm with caption: "A G4 geomagnetic storm struck Earth, potentially impacting power systems.")
Chaos on the Ground
The blackout shuttered schools, businesses, and the Caribbean’s largest mall. Hospitals and San Juan’s airport relied on generators, while passengers were evacuated from a stalled train. José Rivera, a San Juan resident, described the scene: “Everything stopped—no lights, no AC, just confusion.”
Grid Vulnerabilities Under Scrutiny
Puerto Rico’s power system, still recovering from Hurricane Maria’s devastation in 2017, faces ongoing criticism for instability. Luma engineer Pedro Meléndez stated the failed transmission line had been inspected days prior, with “no imminent risks” found. Yet, experts argue aging infrastructure and inconsistent maintenance leave the grid prone to cascading failures.
(Include image: Workers inspecting power lines with caption: "Luma Energy claims recent inspections found no grid risks.")
Broader Impacts of the Solar Storm
The same geomagnetic storm disrupted GPS systems across the U.S. and South Africa, with users reporting navigation errors. NOAA warned of lingering minor grid fluctuations and auroras visible in Canada and Alaska. While solar storms rarely cause full blackouts, Dr. Skov emphasized that vulnerable grids, like Puerto Rico’s, face higher risks.
Ongoing Recovery and Questions
As power slowly returns, officials urge preparedness for future space weather events. With climate change and solar activity expected to rise, the incident underscores the need for resilient energy systems. For now, Puerto Ricans await answers—and lasting solutions.
(Final image: Sunset over San Juan with caption: "Residents hope for stable power as recovery continues.")
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