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“Factor in the effects of Ground Induced Currents, and get back to us.”

GIC’s are what potentially damages transformers in a Solar Flare Event - but only if we take no steps when we know it is coming.

“The headline mentions “EMP disaster” — that’s what prompted me to mention Forstchen’s book.”

I know. it’s a common misconception. People don’t know this, that’s why I keep bringing it up. It’s a complete misconception though. A solar flare will not impact electronics.

Folks may run to buy a “faraday cage” to protect against a solar flare because of the misconception. No need for a faraday cage for a solar flare.

After thinking about this a bit more, I was about to send a follow-up post to you, but you beat me to it.

Yes, GIC's damage transformers -- and enabled a solar storm to take down the entire Quebec power grid in 1989. A larger-scale repeat of that scenario would be a huge disaster; but, not as bad as the scenario in "One Second After". Mainly because (most) communications systems, transportation systems, etc. would still be workable. However, a huge solar flare could take out some electronics -- satellites, in particular. That would be highly disruptive. Also, sensitive electronics, connected to grid power without surge protectors, could be affected.

The EMP Commission I mentioned above alludes to solar storms:

"The late time EMP, or E3, follows E1 and E2 and may last for a minute or more. The E3 pulse is similar in a great many respects to geomagnetic effects induced by solar storms. Solar storms and their impacts on electrical systems with long lines have been thoroughly evaluated and are known to cause serious damage to major electrical system components at much lower levels than the reasonably possible E3 impact. This damage has been incurred in spite of functioning, in-place protective systems. Given the preceding E1 and E2 pulse damage to the protective systems and other system components, damage from E3 to unprotected major system components is virtually assured.

http://empcommission.org/docs/A2473-EMP_Commission-7MB.pdf