Space weather
Space weather describes events that are caused by elements emitted from the sun (for example, solar flares and mass ejections). Common space weather events include the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights).
Unusually strong space weather can cause disruption to a range of technologies and infrastructure like satellites and radios.
Who is most at risk?
On rare occasions space weather can impact your day-to-day life including loss of power and telecommunication systems which can affect your home, travel plans, and community (including businesses).
It may also impact Global Positioning System technology, which some people have in their car or on their phone to help them navigate on journeys.
Remember: To receive automated space weather alerts and warnings you can request a specialist space weather account from the Met Office.
What you can do before, during and after
Before
Be prepared. Stay informed.
- Make sure you keep essential items like emergency contact numbers, a battery-operated torch, and radio. Consider buying a portable charger and charge it regularly.
- Tune in and monitor the news or the Met Office for updates on space weather impacts.
- Consider how the loss of GPS might impact your travel plans. Have a paper map on hand just in case.
During
Stay safe. Follow official advice.
- Follow Government guidance.
- If the power is out, use a battery-operated/wind-up radio or your mobile phone data to get updates.
- If you can, tune in and monitor local news or monitor the Met Office for updates.
- Limit your electricity usage to help with demand and save battery power.
- Turn off electrical appliances at the plug to avoid possible damage from a power surge when the power is restored.
After
Check for disruption. Recover safely.
- Restock supplies, batteries and recharge your portable power bank.
- Check if refrigerated and frozen food needs to be removed following a power cut. Some food can last up to eight hours if the fridge and freezer are kept closed.
In an emergency
Call 999 immediately
Get out, stay out