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First the 'experts' were predicting a severe solar maximum around 2012, now they say there might not be a solar maximum at all due to the sun being very quiet and we may even head into another maunder minimum. Having said that, I believe there are now quite a few satellites that monitor the sun 24/7 and should a large CME occur and be heading for us, we would have quite a few hours warning before the Earth is actually impacted. Whether the power Companies and Governments are linked into this system and so could shut down key transformers in time to avoid major damage is the question. If they are and they do shut down, then no major problems. If they are not and transformers are burnt out then yes there are some serious issues as the lead time on large transformers I believe is in the multiple months and years.
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