What happens when a solar flare destroys the National Grid and internet? Electrity, planes, banks and hospitals fail. Your fridge explodes. Looting's rampant and thousands freeze. Terrifying? Experts say it's shockingly likely ⊖⊖

An explosion like a bomb shook the windows. All the lights went out. Along the street, people peered out to see the twisted TV aerial where the bolt of lightning had struck.