If we get another of these...

[Technical Ben]

You can kiss the internet goodbye.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_storm_of_1859

One of the worries is, the telephone equipment gave electric shocks too!

"Hi, BT Openreach? Yes, I have a massive coronal ejection and was wondering if you could install some cable shielding..." 

Thankfully we have not had any head our way recently.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2013/05/14/triple_solar_flares/

[Clive]

Space Weather News for May 14, 2013
http://spaceweather.com

Solar activity is high.  During a 24 hour period straddling May 13th and 14th, the sun unleashed three X-class solar flares.  These are the strongest flares of the year so far, and they signal a significant increase in solar activity.  The source of the flares, a large sunspot on the sun's eastern limb, appears poised to erupt again as it turns toward Earth.  Check http://spaceweather.com for updates and more information.

[Steve]

Clive hasn't solar activity been quite low recently and the lack blamed on the awful weather that we've had for the last 18 months or so?

[Clive]

It's been a very weak solar maximum this cycle but there has been increased activity these past few weeks.  X class solar flares are amongst the most powerful and could produce aurorae at lower than usual latitudes.  Prolonged low solar activity gives rise to cold weather conditions. 

[Technical Ben]

Clive hasn't solar activity been quite low recently and the lack blamed on the awful weather that we've had for the last 18 months or so?

Those predicting the activity seem to be as good as those predicting the weather. 

[cavillas]

The end is nigh.