Earth is hit by 'extreme' G5 solar storm that's strongest in 20 years and which could damage power lines, communications and satellites

Earth has been hit by a solar storm that's set to be the strongest in 21 years and which could disrupt power lines as well as communications.

The storm was recorded as being of G5 (geomagnetic 5) strength by satellites around 8pm Friday - the strongest level available.

A tweet from the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center said: 'Extreme (G5) geomagnetic conditions have been observed!'

The solar storms are set to last all weekend.