Apparently the 01% chance for an X-Flare is a little higher than the prediction. AR 3256 produced an X1.2 solar flare at 02:33 UTC early this morning (Mar 29). Coronagraph imagery shows a small coronal mass ejection (CME) leaving the blast site, but so far appears to be off the Sun-Earth line. Other than the brief radio blackout during the flare itself, no major impacts should be expected. Image below by the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO)
Space Weather Message Code: WARK04
Serial Number: 4329
Issue Time: 2023 Mar 30 0855 UTC
EXTENDED WARNING: Geomagnetic K-index of 4 expected
Extension to Serial Number: 4328
Valid From: 2023 Mar 30 0058 UTC
Now Valid Until: 2023 Mar 30 1500 UTC
Warning Condition: Onset
NOAA Space Weather Scale descriptions can be found at
www.swpc.noaa.gov/noaa-scales-explanation
Potential Impacts: Area of impact primarily poleward of 65 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude.
Induced Currents - Weak power grid fluctuations can occur.
Aurora - Aurora may be visible at high latitudes such as Canada and Alaska.
Space Weather Message Code: ALTTP4
Serial Number: 593
Issue Time: 2023 Mar 30 0803 UTC
ALERT: Type IV Radio Emission
Begin Time: 2023 Mar 30 0739 UTC