[grania]

the event...

What is "the event"? Do sunspots affect power grids? satellite and other wireless transmission? the meanderings of the polar vortex? (yes, I know a vortex doesn't reander, sarcasm about the term). the magnetic poles?

These are serious questions. I really don't know why we should be concerned about solar flares on steroids.

[AppyPappy]

Nope. Just more Northern Lights

[palmer]

the meanderings of the polar vortex?

The polar vortex can stretch like the recent event or even break in two like more severe cold snaps in the 80's and 90's. The solar activity (high or low) does not cause anything directly. However it is observed that high solar activity can speed up the Sudden Stratospheric Warmings like the mini one we just had. The connection is through the strength of the anticyclonic polar vortexes that surround the cyclonic polar vortex. The anticyclones can strengthen due to high solar activity that increases the easterly flow in the tropical stratosphere.

[null and void]

On very rare occasions they dump enough energy onto the planet to mess up electronics and power grids. See the Carrington Event where induced currents were high enough to zap telegraphers, arc telegraph lines and start the odd fire or two at telegraph stations.

At higher risk are communications satellites which are outside our protective atmosphere.