PHOTOS: Northern Lights illuminate skies across Tennessee, Mississippi

  • courtesy Andrea Walley, Tiptonville TN
    courtesy Andrea Walley, Tiptonville TN
  • courtesy Carol Glover, Williston TN
    courtesy Carol Glover, Williston TN
  • courtesy Carol Glover, Williston TN
    courtesy Carol Glover, Williston TN
  • courtesy Savanna Watts, Potts Camp MS
    courtesy Savanna Watts, Potts Camp MS
  • courtesy Robert Duncan, Braden TN
    courtesy Robert Duncan, Braden TN
  • courtesy Robert Duncan, Braden TN
    courtesy Robert Duncan, Braden TN
  • courtesy Robert Duncan, Braden TN
    courtesy Robert Duncan, Braden TN
  • courtesy Robert Duncan, Braden TN
    courtesy Robert Duncan, Braden TN
  • courtesy Russell Newbill
    courtesy Russell Newbill
  • courtesy Lindsey Patterson, Hornsby, TN
    courtesy Lindsey Patterson, Hornsby, TN
  • courtesy Lindsey Patterson, Hornsby, TN
    courtesy Lindsey Patterson, Hornsby, TN
  • courtesy Lindsey Patterson, Hornsby, TN
    courtesy Lindsey Patterson, Hornsby, TN

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Northern Lights moved south Friday night, and residents around the News Channel 3 viewing area captured the aurora borealis in full glory.

The lights in the sky were the result of an unusually strong solar storm hitting Earth hitting earth this weekend, potentially disrupting power and communications.

Solar storm could disrupt communications and produce northern lights

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued a rare severe geomagnetic storm warning when a solar outburst reached Earth on Friday afternoon, hours sooner than anticipated.

Experts predicted the Northen Lights as far south as Alabama — and the lights delivered, with viewers in Byhalia, Mississippi, Fayette County, Tennessee and all over the area sending in photos of the dancing colors.

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