Prepared Brief: Power Grid Risks, Protests, and Global Unrest
November 12, 2025
Analyst Insight
The operational environment over the past 24 - 36 hours is strained. A severe solar storm and a major winter storm simultaneously stressed infrastructure, while scattered violence and protests highlighted underlying domestic tensions.
Internationally, U.S. forces are increasing maritime deployments, and several foreign theaters saw significant attacks.
This convergence of extreme space/weather events and geopolitical friction suggests that readiness plans should emphasize the resiliency of power grids, communication systems, and supply lines.
Domestic Security and Civil Unrest
Louisville, Kentucky – A man in his early 20s was found shot in the leg on Nov. 11 in the Newburg neighborhood. Louisville police believe the shooting was an isolated event, and the victim is expected to survive; tips have been requested through the department’s hotline.
Richmond, Virginia – Richmond police responded to the 200 block of W. Roanoke Street around 12:45 a.m. on Nov. 11 and found a woman fatally shot; she died at the scene. An investigation is underway, and the public is urged to contact detectives.
Berkeley, California – Protests erupted at UC Berkeley during a Turning Point USA event honoring the late Charlie Kirk. Demonstrators clashed with law enforcement, resulting in several arrests. The event proceeded under a heavy police presence and drew national attention.
Assessment: Domestic incidents remain localized but unpredictable. Protests linked to political or cultural events can quickly turn violent.
Readiness impact: security teams at universities and civic venues should plan for crowd‑control contingencies and coordinate with local law enforcement.
Infrastructure and Grid Alerts
California power outage – On Nov. 11, a localized power failure in Concord, California, knocked out electricity for more than 5,000 PG&E customers and temporarily halted Bay Area Rapid Transit trains. Service resumed after roughly 25 minutes, but the cause remained under investigation.
Solar storm watch – NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center issued a rare G4 (Severe) geomagnetic storm watch after an X5.1 solar flare on Nov. 11. Multiple coronal mass ejections followed, prompting warnings that solar activity could interfere with satellites, communications, and power grids. A later update classified the event as G5, the highest severity level, noting that some airlines rerouted polar flights and satellites experienced communication disruptions.
Assessment: The combination of local outages and severe space weather highlights the fragility of electrical networks.
Readiness impact: organizations should test backup generators, harden critical infrastructure against geomagnetic induced currents, and ensure fuel reserves for extended outages.
Extreme Weather and Natural Hazards
Midwest/Northeast winter storm – The first major winter storm of the season brought more than a foot of snow to parts of Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Over 200 million people experienced freezing temperatures, and wind gusts of 35–50 mph were expected. Freeze warnings extended as far south as parts of the Southeast.
Space‑weather hazards – The X5.1 solar flare mentioned above triggered vivid auroras visible across the United States and raised concerns about geomagnetically induced currents. NOAA’s advisory warned that G4–G5 storms may affect power systems and high‑frequency communications.
Assessment: Severe winter conditions combined with a major geomagnetic storm could strain energy supplies and hinder emergency response.
Readiness impact: citizens should prepare for potential blackouts and travel disruptions, top off fuel supplies, and monitor weather alerts.
Border and Immigration
Operation Midway Blitz wind‑down – Reporting from Chicago indicates that the Department of Homeland Security is reducing the number of U.S. Border Patrol agents stationed in the city from 250 to about 100 as Operation Midway Blitz winds down. Sources suggest agent numbers could surge again to 1,000 in March.
Texas immigration funding lawsuit – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued Harris County over its allocation of approximately $1.34 million to nonprofit organizations that provide legal services for undocumented immigrants. Paxton claims the spending is unconstitutional and vowed to stop taxpayer funds from supporting deportation defense.
Assessment: Enforcement actions are shifting amid legal challenges and political scrutiny.
Readiness impact: expect fluctuating federal presence in urban areas and ongoing litigation over local support for migrants.
Church, Mission, and Civilian Safety
No attacks on missionaries, aid workers, or U.S. civilians abroad were reported in official sources during the past 24 hours.
Readiness impact: continue monitoring global reports for any threats to faith‑based missions or humanitarian personnel.
International Flashpoints
USS Gerald R. Ford deployment – U.S. Southern Command dispatched the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group, including several destroyers, to waters near Venezuela and the Caribbean to disrupt narcotics trafficking and transnational criminal organizations. Since Sept. 2, U.S. forces have conducted 19 air strikes on alleged drug‑smuggling boats, killing at least 76 crew members. Officials say the deployment enhances maritime security and serves as a deterrent to criminal activity.
Food assistance ruling – The U.S. Supreme Court extended an order blocking full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments during the government shutdown.
Assessment: U.S. naval deployments and legal actions have direct international and domestic implications.
Readiness impact: maritime and humanitarian sectors should anticipate heightened scrutiny and possible retaliatory moves by affected nations.
Supply Chain and Liberty Watch
Supply chain disruptions – Aside from weather‑related transport delays, no major strikes or shutdowns were reported in the past day.
Assessment: monitor for emerging legislation that could affect digital privacy or transportation networks.
Developing Reports (Unverified OSINT)
The following items originated from field / OSINT sources. Statements remain unconfirmed.
Georgia / Turkish military transport crash – Unofficial channels report that a Turkish Air Force C‑130 transport aircraft crashed in Georgia’s Signagi region, killing all 20 servicemembers on board. Turkish officials allegedly recovered the black box and launched an investigation. If confirmed, indicates potential regional instability and highlights risks associated with heavy transport operations in austere conditions.
Pakistan / Vehicle‑borne IED – Reports from field sources indicate that a car bomb exploded outside a district court in Islamabad, killing 9–12 people and injuring dozens. The Tehrik‑e‑Taliban Pakistan (TTP) reportedly claimed responsibility. If confirmed, indicates an escalation of militant attacks that could raise tensions between Pakistan and India and jeopardize regional security.
Venezuela / Military drills – Venezuelan military footage shows rapid‑evacuation and equipment‑relocation drills across multiple bases. Exercises involve both armed forces and police and are said to prepare for possible attacks by the United States. If confirmed, indicates Caracas is raising readiness levels and could respond to U.S. naval movements.
Sudan / West Kordofan assault – Reports suggest Rapid Support Forces launched a second major assault on Babnusa, West Kordofan, using heavy artillery and drones to seize the Sudanese army’s 22nd Infantry Division headquarters. If confirmed, indicates worsening civil conflict that may disrupt regional oil infrastructure.
United States / Space weather impact – Numerous observers across the U.S. reported spectacular auroras visible as far south as Texas and Florida. Field reports state that NOAA issued a G4 alert and later upgraded to G5, warning of possible satellite communication disruptions and power‑grid stress. If confirmed, indicates a heightened risk of transformer damage and calls for utilities to activate contingency plans.
Europe / NATO aircraft movements – Sources monitoring flight activity report multiple U.S. and NATO aircraft, including Norwegian P‑8A surveillance planes, U.S. RC‑135U electronic intelligence aircraft, NATO E‑3A AWACS, and KC‑135 tankers, conducting patrols near Russia and Ukraine. A pair of B‑52H bombers reportedly refueled over the North Sea en route to Finland. If confirmed, indicates increased allied vigilance and readiness in response to Russian actions.
Cameroon / Human rights abuses – Human‑rights monitors accuse Cameroonian security forces of killing at least 48 people and detaining hundreds, possibly up to 2,000, following the disputed October election that reinstated President Paul Biya. If confirmed, indicates a deteriorating human‑rights situation that could spur international sanctions.
Venezuela / Ukrainian aid – Unofficial reports claim Germany will provide an additional €40 million in winter aid to Ukraine, including repairs to heating systems, generators, and blankets. If confirmed, indicates continued European support Kyiv through the winter and may draw responses from Russia.
Signals to Monitor
Additional solar flares or geomagnetic disturbances that could intensify impacts on power grids and communications.
Follow‑on storms from the Midwest winter system affecting the Northeast or Southeast.
Public‑order developments at U.S. universities and civic venues hosting controversial speakers.
Shifts in Border Patrol deployments, especially any surge in agents before March.
Reaction from Pakistan or India following the Islamabad bombing and potential military movements.
Announcements from the Treasury Department or Congress on SNAP funding and government shutdown resolutions.
Red Flags
If geomagnetic indices reach G5 and utilities report transformer overheating, then expect localized blackouts and telecommunications outages; deploy backup generators and satellite communication plans.
If protests continue at universities and arrests rise, then anticipate copycat demonstrations at other campuses and consider early coordination with campus security.
If DHS increases Border Patrol deployments after March, then prepare for heightened enforcement activities and potential legal challenges in affected cities.
If Pakistan mobilizes troops toward the Indian border following the Islamabad bombing, then watch for escalation that could disrupt international shipping lanes or diplomatic relations.
If further C‑MEAs are detected and the solar storm persists, then delay non‑essential air travel over polar routes and secure critical electronic systems.
Preparedness Action Items
Test backup power systems at facilities and residences; ensure generators are fueled and functional in case geomagnetic storms disrupt grid power.
Top off fuel and supplies before winter storms and potential outages; have extra blankets, water, and batteries on hand.
Stay informed about local protests or public events; avoid areas where demonstrations may occur and maintain situational awareness.
Review emergency communications plans, including satellite phones or radios, to maintain contact if cellular networks are disrupted.
Monitor official alerts from DHS, NOAA, local law enforcement, and emergency management agencies regarding weather, security incidents, and border operations.
Update mission protocols for overseas personnel, particularly in regions experiencing escalating conflict (Pakistan, Sudan, Venezuela), and have evacuation plans ready.