A severe geomagnetic storm forecast for January 2026 could disrupt electric grids across 11 northern U.S. states and provide a rare opportunity to see the northern lights as far south as Alabama, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's ( NOAA ) Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) , The ongoing solar storm is predicted to impact electrical infrastructure and communications nationwide, as Americans prepare to witness dazzling auroral displays in unexpected locations.