NOAA SEC Space Weather Bulletin #01-3 — 2 Apr 2001

Official Space Weather Advisory issued by NOAA Space Environment Center
Boulder, Colorado, USA

SPACE WEATHER BULLETIN #01- 3

2001 April 02 at 02:48 p.m. MDT (2001 April 02 2048 UT)

**** SEVERE SPACE WEATHER STORM – AURORA WIDESPREAD ****

A category G4 (severe) geomagnetic storm occurred during March 30 – 31.
NOAA space weather forecasters reported that the storm began at 5:51
p.m. MST on March 30 (2001 31 March 0051 UTC) and quickly intensified
to category G3 (strong) to G4 levels. A storm of this magnitude
normally causes adverse effects on a number of systems including public
power, gas and oil pipelines, satellite operations, high-frequency
radio communications, and low-frequency radio navigation. The storm
caused aurora displays that were seen as far south as Fort Davis, Texas
and Fowlstown, Georgia; both at about 30 degrees North latitude.
Reports of aurora were also received from other locations around the
globe. The geomagnetic storm was related to major solar flare activity
from a large, complex sunspot group currently making its way across the
face of the Sun. The sunspot group, designated as Region 9393, has
produced several major flares since March 29. Some of these flares have
caused category R3 (strong) radio blackouts as well as a category S1
(minor) solar radiation storm. Forecasters expect Region 9393 to
produce more major flares before it crosses to the far side of the Sun
on April 5. NOAA forecasters also reported increased activity from
beyond the Sun’s southeast limb that may indicate the approach of
another potent sunspot group.

Data used to provide space weather services are contributed by NOAA,
USAF, NASA, NSF, USGS, the International Space Environment Services
and other observatories, universities, and institutions. More
information is available at SEC’s Web site http://sec.noaa.gov or
(303) 497-5127. The NOAA Public Affairs contact is Barbara McGehan
at bmcgehan@boulder.noaa.gov or (303) 497-6288.