From May 10-12, 1999, the solar wind that blows constantly from the Sun virtually disappeared -- the most drastic and longest-lasting decrease ever observed. Dropping to a fraction of its normal density and to half its normal speed, the solar wind died down enough to allow physicists to observe particles flowing directly from the Sun's corona to Earth. This severe change in the solar wind also changed the shape of Earth's magnetic field and produced an unusual auroral display at the North Pole.

A large coronal hole on the Sun has opened up releasing large amounts of charged particles sometimes referred to as 'solar winds'. Then this flow of particles hits the Earth's magnetic field, it has a direct effect on ocean and jet stream currents.

Watch for an increase in extreme weather over the next 72 - 96 hours. On the North American continent, the most vulnerable areas would be the Pacific North West, and yes, California.