A strong geomagnetic storm on the sun’s surface could bring Northern Lights as far south as Alabama tonight.

The anticipated coronal mass ejection, or CME, arrived on Earth at 10:15 a.m. Thursday reaching speeds of 1.5 mph. Right now, the CME is a G3 but a stronger G4 is “likely” tonight with a slight chance for the highest-level storm, a G5. A G4 storm could bring lights from aurora borealis as far south as Alabama and northern California under a clear sky.

A G5 storm would produce lights as far south as Florida and Texas, according to the Space Weather Prediction Center.

READ MORE: Alabama may get a chance to see Northern Lights again this week: Where, when and why

“The CME strength and structure are being closely scrutinized for potential geomagnetic storm intensity, but, G3 levels are now expected due to the magnitude and potential of the CME, therefore G3 or greater warning has been issued. G4 (Severe) levels remain likely with the watch still in effect and even a slight chance of G5 (Extreme) levels due to initial observations of the CME strength,” SWPC said.

Northern lights are created when charged particles created by a solar or geomagnetic storms interact with the Earth’s magnetic field and the air of the upper atmosphere, creating what NASA describes as a “natural neon lamp” over the Earth’s polar regions. A stronger storm creates vivid colors further south.

This most recent eruption comes after a powerful G4 magnitude storm in May resulted in Northern Lights as far south as Florida.

Best viewing times

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, auroras are typically best viewed between 10 p.m.-2 a.m. local time in areas with little light pollution.

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