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
Summertime Heat Prompts Fire Danger in the Northern Plains

Summertime Heat Prompts Fire Danger in the Northern Plains

NORTHERN PLAINS - Temperatures were incredibl

12 May 2025 10:40 PM
Florida’s Rainy Season Starting Ahead of Schedule

Florida’s Rainy Season Starting Ahead of Schedule

An upper-level low will meander around the Gu

12 May 2025 10:35 PM
Severe Threat Continues in the Southeast

Severe Threat Continues in the Southeast

The Southeast can not seem to shake the storm

12 May 2025 10:30 PM
Severe Weather Ramps Up Late Week

Severe Weather Ramps Up Late Week

We've been stuck in a pretty stagnant pattern

12 May 2025 7:55 PM
Northern Great Plains and Rockies Storm Threat

Northern Great Plains and Rockies Storm Threat

HIGH PLAINS - With temperatures pushing 80-90

12 May 2025 7:45 PM
Flood Threat Lingers in New England Saturday

Flood Threat Lingers in New England Saturday

A break in storms for the Northeast is on the

10 May 2025 7:25 PM
Huge Hail in the Mid-South Thursday, Storms Linger in the Carolinas Today

Huge Hail in the Mid-South Thursday, Storms Linger in the Carolinas Today

Hail over the size of tennis balls and baseba

9 May 2025 7:45 PM