Considered by some to be the stuff of science fiction, an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack poses a direct threat to the U.S. electric grid a threat that is poorly understood and lacks the leadership to address it. An EMP a high-intensity burst of energy caused by a rapid acceleration of charged particles from either solar weather or a nuclear bomb detonated high in the atmosphere has the potential to cause devastating damage to the U.S. electric grid and severely impede recovery efforts.
An electromagnetic pulse (EMP) over the United States could end modern life in America overnight. Whether caused by an enemy attack (a nuclear device detonated above the atmosphere) or by a natural phenomenon (a geomagnetic storm), an EMP can cause entire regions of the country to lose electricity permanently. Despite the EMP Commission’s recommendations in 2004 and 2008, hardly any progress has been made in protecting the country from an EMP attack and its catastrophic results. The U.S. must prepare to deal with an EMP now.
While a solar flare from the Earth-facing sunspot caused a shortwave radio blackout over southeast Asia and Australia, the coronal mass ejection will miss Earth.