The salient point of this podcast episode is the report of a severe geomagnetic storm that reached G4 intensity, which may lead to potential disruptions in GPS and HF radio communications, as well as the possibility of auroras in high latitude regions. We also discuss the absence of tropical cyclones in both the Atlantic and Pacific regions, indicating a lack of immediate concern in those areas. Additionally, we note that the Storm Prediction Center has not identified any severe thunderstorm risks across the United States, although there may be isolated, non-severe thunderstorms in northern California. Winter weather remains a significant focus, particularly with lake effect snow tapering in the eastern Great Lakes and new winter storm warnings in effect for parts of the western states. We will continue to monitor the impacts of the geomagnetic storm and the evolving winter hazards across the regions of concern.

The current episode delves into the intricate phenomena of geomagnetic storms, particularly focusing on the recent severe G4 intensity storm reported by NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center. This storm has significant implications for high latitude regions, where it is expected to affect GPS functionality and high-frequency (HF) radio communications, alongside the enchanting possibility of auroral displays for those fortunate enough to have clear skies. The episode meticulously illustrates the nuances of these atmospheric disturbances, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of how such solar activities intertwine with terrestrial weather patterns. Moreover, the discussion encompasses the broader context of winter weather forecasts, emphasizing the tapering of lake effect snow in the eastern Great Lakes and the impending mountain snow events in the western states, thus painting a multifaceted picture of the current meteorological landscape.

In addition to the geomagnetic disturbances, the episode offers insights into the ongoing winter weather advisories. Specifically, it highlights the persistent lake effect snow impacting Michigan and the Eastern Lake Ontario region, with detailed forecasts predicting additional accumulation in specified areas. The narrative progresses to include important updates from various state weather services, underscoring the operational readiness of utilities and transportation authorities in light of these extreme weather conditions. Throughout the discussion, the hosts maintain a focus on safety and preparedness, urging listeners to stay informed and vigilant as they navigate the complexities of the current weather situation.

The episode culminates in a thorough examination of the meteorological outlook, with hosts reiterating the significance of monitoring geomagnetic storm impacts and evolving winter hazards across the nation. By drawing connections between solar activities and terrestrial weather phenomena, this episode not only informs but also educates its audience about the intricate interplay of forces that govern our weather systems, leaving listeners with a richer appreciation for the complexities of nature.

Takeaways:

• The NOAA reported a severe geomagnetic storm reaching G4 intensity, impacting high latitude regions.
• Aurora visibility is expected in high latitude areas, along with potential GPS and HF radio issues.
• The National Hurricane Center indicates no tropical cyclones are active in the Atlantic or Pacific regions.
• Weather conditions in the eastern Great Lakes involve tapering winter lake effect snow this morning.
• Utilities and pipeline operators maintain a routine mitigation posture amid the ongoing winter hazards.
• No significant earthquakes were reported in Alaska and California over the past day, ensuring regional stability.

Sources

[SWPC | https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/news/severe-geomagnetic-storm-level-g4-reached-11012025]

[NHC | https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/]

[SPC | https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/day1otlk.html]

[USGS | https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/map/?timeZone=utc&extent=7.62389,179.47266&extent=64.39694,320.09766&magnitude=all]

[NWS Sacramento (Sierra) | https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=sto&wwa=all]

[NWS Eureka (NW CA winds/mtn snow) | https://www.weather.gov/eka/]

[Caltrans QuickMap | https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/]

[Caltrans Road Conditions (I-80 example) | https://roads.dot.ca.gov/?roadnumber=80]

[NWS Gaylord briefing page (updated today) | https://www.weather.gov/apx]

[NWS Buffalo Advisory 6:36 AM EST Wed Nov 12 | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=Winter%20Weather%20Advisory]

[TripCheck—North/Sw OR regional road conditions (updated

early AM) | https://www.tripcheck.com/DynamicReports/Report/RoadConditions/4]

[TripCheck—SW OR conditions & snow-zone segments | https://www.tripcheck.com/DynamicReports/Report/RoadConditions/7]

[TripCheck NOAA Pass Forecasts (Cascades of Lane Co.) | https://www.tripcheck.com/DynamicReports/Report/NoaaForecasts/5]

[NWS Seattle—Winter Storm Warning text (Cascades) | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=SEW&wwa=winter%20storm%20warning]

[WSDOT Pass Reports hub | https://wsdot.com/travel/real-time/mountain-pass-reports];

[NOAA—Stevens Pass forecast | https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=47.7462&lon=-121.0859]

Overnight, NOAA's Space Weather Prediction center reported a severe geomagnetic storm that briefly reached G4 intensity.

High latitude regions may see Aurora again and experience intermittent HF radio and GPS issues today.

No tropical cyclones are active in the Atlantic or Pacific and the National Hurricane center has no areas of concern.

The Storm Prediction Center's Day one outlook carries no severe thunderstorm risk for the US with only isolated non severe thunderstorms possible along the far northern California coast late tonight.

Weather wise, the bigger safety story is winter lake effect snow continues to taper in the eastern Great Lakes this morning while early season mountain snow and periodic wind are on tap for parts of the west and Northwest through the end of the week.

USGS shows routine small earthquakes in Alaska and California over the last day.

None rise to significant status.

Let's run through the states.

Alaska High latitude space weather impacts are possible again today after last night's G4 geomagnetic storm.

Expect potential GPS degradation, HF radio issues and Aurora visibility where skies cooperate.

Utilities and pipeline operators remain in routine mitigation posture.

Winter Hazards Return to the High Country NWS keeps winter headlines for the northern Sierra and southern Cascades with snow above 6,500 to 7,500ft from late tonight into Friday.

Michigan lake effect snow lingers in parts of northern lower Michigan with localized 2 to 4 inches south of Grand Traverse Bay and and isolated higher totals where bands persist.

New York Eastern Lake Ontario region remains under a winter weather advisory through early afternoon with 1 to 3 inches of additional snow in persistent bands, greatest on the Tug Hill and into Jefferson County.

Oregon.

ODOT trip check shows carry chains or traction tires at several Cascade snowzone segments this morning.

NOAA forecasts point to increasing precipitation and lowering snow levels late tonight into Thursday with pass winds gusty at times.

Washington Winter headlines continue for the Cascades.

A winter storm warning remains in effect for portions of the North Cascades with additional heavy Snow along Highway 20 elsewhere.

Expect periods of rain changing to rain snow in the passes late Thursday into Friday with light accumulations possible in wet slick pavement.

All other states have no significant updates in the last 24 hours.

We'll keep eyes on the geomagnetic storm impacts and evolving winter hazards in the west and Great Lakes.

Stay safe.