Solar Flare Likely Not Related To Cellular Outages

news image
Special Stories
24 Feb 2024 10:20 PM

A data outage affecting cellular customers is not likely related to recent solar activity. The network outages began before sunrise Thursday, with tens of thousands of customers reporting a loss of service, primarily with AT&T.

Coincidentally, two X-Class solar flares occurred late Wednesday into Thursday (top of page), which could continue to have impacts on high-frequency radio signals. Typically, solar flares are not strong enough to impact cellular data and are more likely to impact radio and satellite communication.



The Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) issued the following statement about the event:

Two Major Solar Flares; Effects on Cellular Networks Unlikely

The Sun emitted two strong solar flares (both R3 on the NOAA Space Weather Scales), the first one peaking at 6:07 p.m. EST on Feb. 21, 2024, and the second peaking at 1:32 a.m. EST on Feb. 22, 2024. 

While solar flares can affect communication systems, radar, and the Global Positioning System, based on the intensity of the eruption and associated phenomena, it is highly unlikely that these flares contributed to the widely reported cellular network outages. 

NOAA and SWPC will continue to monitor the solar and near-Earth space environment for potential impacts to critical infrastructure and essential services.

All Weather News
More
Tropical Storm Octave Spinning in the Pacific

Tropical Storm Octave Spinning in the Pacific

Tropical Storm Octave formed earlier on Tuesd

3 Oct 2025 3:00 AM
Heavy Rain Chances Return to Florida

Heavy Rain Chances Return to Florida

Thanks to Humberto, Imelda has moved away fro

3 Oct 2025 2:45 AM
Precipitation Chances Out West

Precipitation Chances Out West

WEST - As a trough of low pressure lingers of

3 Oct 2025 2:40 AM
Severe Thunderstorms Possible Across the Plains This Weekend

Severe Thunderstorms Possible Across the Plains This Weekend

As a powerful upper-level trough moves into t

3 Oct 2025 2:30 AM
Post-Tropical Imelda has Passed Bermuda

Post-Tropical Imelda has Passed Bermuda

Imelda is now a Post-Tropical Cyclone as it q

3 Oct 2025 2:10 AM
Fall Color Is Peaking in Parts of the Lower 48

Fall Color Is Peaking in Parts of the Lower 48

Grab the pumpkin spice and apple cider donuts

2 Oct 2025 10:05 AM
Humberto Merges with a Front in the Atlantic

Humberto Merges with a Front in the Atlantic

Tropical activity in the Atlantic has increas

1 Oct 2025 2:50 PM