The Solar 'Katrina' Storm That Could Take Our Power Grid Out For Years

[teamnelson]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lawrence-e-joseph/the-solar-katrina-storm-t_b_641354.html

Kappenman insists that solar EMP blasts the size of those that occurred in 1859 (before society was electrified) and 1921(before the power grid had developed to the point where it played any significant role) would today result in large-scale blackouts lasting for months or years.

more than 100 million Americans could be affected by this blackout for months or years. Recovering from a future severe magnetic storm would cost $1 to $2 trillion per year-- ten to twenty times the cost of Katrina. Of course, the damage would be immeasurably worse if such a massive, protracted catastrophe were to touch off social unrest sufficient to undermine the agencies and institutions in charge of the reconstruction effort.

[The Hermit]

If I understand it right, it would also effect the computer equipement on cars, making then stop.
The only ones left moving will be the Amish, a fitting situation.

 The Hermit

[teamnelson]

My studied conclusion is that'll be worse than were ready for, and made worse by the social impact he mentions. Given we've already experienced two since 1859, it would seem foolhardy to pretend it won't happen. I'm becoming more like the Amish everyday.

[Pat/Rick]

The US should be more worried about EMP than anything else IMO. NO banks/banking, atm? forget it, your bank records? Electronic remember. Your old car will run as long as there is a way to get gas, not with electric pumps at the station. Transformers at the substation burnt out? Too bad, a 6 month lead time for manufacture, and those from europe according to a disc channel doc on our lousy infrastructure.No transportation means that the super markets will be out of stuff in 3 days. Best to have seed,dried, and canned goods set by before it happens. Best have the means to defend it and the mindset to go with. While we were all shocked by 9-11 Argentina went through a collapse.
http://www.masterjules.net/cryargentina.htm

A good read that should be mandatory reading/study in high school social studies.

[Dee]

Well then let's get it over with. I'm ready.

[teamnelson]

Supposed to be some increased solar activity this month, with the northern lights visible further south than usual. Maybe not "the big one" but I'd be curious to see how it affects those in the north as that would give some indication as to "real" affect.

[The Hermit]

So far I have not seen much of the northern lights. Several years ago, Donna and I stayed up all night to watch them. We could see from the horizon to straight up over head. It was muti colored and moved like an old fashioned window curtain blowing in a breeze. Boy, that brings back some memories.


  The Hermit

[teamnelson]

Hermit, I got to see the Northern lights from the northern tip of Norway for a couple of months - beautiful! I know that if/when I start seeing them down here in Oahu, its probably past time to get my ducks in a row