A severe solar storm could disrupt communications and cause colorful auroras, reaching some southern parts of the U.S. as early as Thursday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

The timing of the storm should provide a great show for Europe, but those in North America could also see the dazzling lights if the storm persists into nighttime.

Space weather forecasters say a severe solar storm heading to Earth could stress power grids even more as the U.S. deals with major back-to-back hurricanes.