Incoming solar flare/electromagnetic storm is expected to create problems with CA and TX grid operators, already anticipated, and nothing extraordinary. Regional operators are prepared.

What is not widely known is the utilities operational software, the software that runs both the generation and transmission/distribution networks both locally and regionally (MISO, etc) have been infiltrated and compromised.

The solar flare will be used as the "explanation" of the cascading failures across the country leading to a near total national blackout of unknown duration. This will take place concurrently with an amphibious assault on Taiwan by the Chinese military, with Russia's tacit support. Russia will concurrently complete its takeover of UK