Overnight Friday, an "extreme" geomagnetic storm brought the northern lights to upstate New York, and there's a chance they could still be visible just outside New York City over the weekend.
This storm, detected by NOAA, is the first G5 geomagnetic storm in nearly 20 years, making the aurora borealis visible in the Tri-State Area. Parts of the U.S. also saw the lights Friday night, with the show expected to continue through Saturday and Sunday.
For those in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, Saturday offers a chance to witness the spectacle, especially in more rural or suburban areas where the skies are darker. While clouds may obstruct the view, the aurora can be seen from as far as 600 miles away. Meteorologists suggest that a Kp index of 7 or greater is needed to see the lights, with some areas north of New York City reaching a Kp index of 8, the highest since 2005.
Though the storm raised concerns about potential disruptions to power grids and communications systems, New York City's Office of Emergency Management doesn't anticipate direct impacts but remains vigilant.