Solar storms pose hazards to the near-Earth space environment. After studying these storms, scientists categorize their effects into three main types. These are listed in decreasing severity, as follows:
1. Geomagnetic storms - the Earth's geomagnetic field is distorted due to the strong solar wind. Through electromagnetic induction, transient electric surges can damage transformers, electronic instruments and navigation equipment.
2. Solar radiation storms - streams of energetic particles and plasma pose threats to astronauts in space and to passengers and crews on polar flights.
3. Radio blackouts - intense X-rays with ionizing power upset the Earth's ionosphere, producing signal scintillations (which mean noise, distortion and attenuation) and disrupting radio communication.

In general, geomagnetic storms affect the people on Earth most.  Solar radiation storms pose threats mainly to those flying in space and high altitudes, while radio blackouts mainly affect those operations involving navigation or radio communications.

The Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) uses the above categorization when issuing alerts and warnings of space weather. This webpage aims at conveying these alerts and warnings to the general public in Hong Kong.