CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — An unusually strong solar storm hitting Earth produced stunning displays of color in the skies across the Northern Hemisphere, with no immediate reports of disruptions to power and communications.

The U.S. 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.

The effects of the Northern Lights, which were prominently on display in the U.K., were due to last through the weekend and possibly into next week.

The agency says the sun is producing strong solar flares and has hurled at least seven outbursts of plasma our way.

NOAA has alerted operators of power plants and spacecraft in orbit to take precautions.