A solar magnetic storm is on it’s way to Earth, but BC Hydro says they are prepared for the storm.
According to BC Hydro Spokesperson Dave Mosure, a solar magnetic storm is a ‘gust of charged particles that come from the sun that fluctuate in frequency and intensity’. Mosure says these types of storms go through a ten-year cycle, but stronger ones like the upcoming storm happen less frequently. Mosure says these types of storms can cause damage to high voltage transmission systems, and lead to outages.
A similar storm hit Quebec in March 1989, knocking out power for nine hours.
Mosure says BC Hydro is prepared for the storm. He says BC Hydro’s system is protected by a series of capacitors, which provide a barrier to the geomagnetically induced current’s path, and prevents the spread of disturbances.
Mosure adds it’s impossible to predict outages, but BC Hydro has prepared appropriately.
Something going on in the Cariboo you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].
