An alert published by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration warned the UK to expect "weak power grid fluctuations" and satellite "orientation irregularities". The agency rates the storm as G2, meaning it is moderately strong and is expected to continue until 4pm this afternoon.

       A coronal mass ejection (CME) is a massive expulsion of plasma from the Sun's corona (its outermost layer).

       The Met Office said the storm will likely cause "minor to moderate geomagnetic storms" resulting in "enhanced auroral activity".

       READ MORE: Solar storm warning as 'big flare heading to Earth' – time of 'direct hit' predicted | Science | News | Express.co.uk

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