The solar cycle, the possibility of a massive CME, and the coming of a high point in Solar weather is all fact.
Solar flares, CMEs and their effects
"Some effects of solar storms were far beyond the nuisance level, especially at higher latitudes. In August 1972, a 230,000-volt transformer at the
British Columbia Hydroelectric Authority blew up when shifting magnetic fields induced a current spike. On March 13, 1989, a storm plunged Quebec into
a complete power blackout, affecting millions.
Over the years, such failures -- which follow the sunspot cycle -- have caused hundreds of millions of dollars in damage."
A history of solar weather
People joke, but the bottom line is that a massive disruption of electrical systems would be catastrophic. Imagine no trucks coming to your town with
goods for your local supermarket, most people would go hungry.
The Northern Hemisphere would be set back for a long time - Basically the more advanced and dependent a society is on technology to more likely an
event such as this could lead to a lot of death and destruction.
In parts of the world where people are less dependent of technology life would go on pretty much as before.
That an event like this is certain to occur is a FACT.
Like any disaster, you can do things now to prepare. Most importnatly learn a skill which will aid in feeding you and your family when you can't get
to Wal-Mart. Think about the route that a dozen eggs takes to get to your omelet. Think about that loaf of Wonder bread and how it gets to you.
As for it effecting America, the truth is that America is a highly industrialized nation which depends on technolgy for even basics of life ( as is
most of the West of course). I believe that nations such as America and the UK would be most adversley effected.
that's why i'm saying "because someone on the radio/tv/other media thinks it's going to happen we need to believe them" 
