Severe Space Storm Headed to Earth

[Diana]

Space weather forecasters revised their predictions for storminess after a major flare erupted on the Sun overnight threatening damage to communication systems and power grids while offering up the wonder of northern lights.

The article states that
The storm is expected to generate aurora or Northern Lights, as far south as the northern United States Thursday night and that Radio communications, satellites and power grids could face potential interruptions or damage.

HERE

[Dragon Star]

I don't understand this to be honest. The solar flare erupted last night...but it's not getting here until tonight? It should only take minutes for this to happen, what is causing the delay?

[Diana]

Humm true. Perhaps this is what they are talking about?

Solar flares send radiation to Earth within minutes. Some are also accompanied by coronal mass ejections (CME), clouds of charged particles that arrive in a day or two. This flare unleashed a strong CME that's aimed squarely at Earth.

Diana

[Dragon Star]

Ah, thanks.

[Diana]

....

[Blue Fire]

I actually caught part of the aurora display here in Western New York State last night. It wasn't too impressive but there was definitely a bluish glow in the north that changed shape slowly like thick glob and sometimes very nebulous streaks formed and melted away. I also noted a vague green hazy band above the blue glow a couple of times.

[Dragon Star]

There was nothing this far south, although I suppose I didn't expect much. I wish it would though, they are so pretty and I've never seen it.