Effects From Intense Space Weather Strike

Power: Numerous systems are reliant on electricity. Alternatives, such as natural gas, would also be affected because they depend on electricity to control distribution.

Fuel: Pumping systems depend on electricity to work and would shut down in the event of grid damage from a solar storm.

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Food: Refrigeration systems that ensure product safety in storage and transportation run on electricity and would be without power.

Sanitation: Sewage systems depend on electricity to operate their pumps. A loss of electricity could lead to health problems as untreated sewage could build up.

Communications: Mobile devices would eventually lose their power because they couldn't be charged if the electrical grid was interrupted for extended periods.

Finance: The global financial system operates through electronic trading. And the retail sector for that matter depends on electricity to complete transactions.

Transportation: Electrical trains would stop running. And transportation such as cars and trucks would be unable to run because of the failure of pumps that move petroleum-based products.

Source: Lloyd's and RAL Space

May 1, 2011

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