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Magnetic Field
The Earth is a little like a giant bar magnet with its own magnetic field --- which is why you can use a compass to find your bearings. The magnetic field shields Earth's surface from solar wind, the steady spray of charged particles from the sun. Interactions between solar wind and magnetic field shape Earth's magnetosphere, the zone surrounding Earth where its magnetic field is dominant. CMEs can disrupt Earth's magnetosphere to cause a geomagnetic storm.
Auroras
The flood of charged particles from a CME takes about one to three days to reach Earth. When these particles arrive, as they collide with Earth's upper atmosphere they can produce dazzling high-latitude light displays called auroras. These incredible phenomena resemble shimmering curtains of light and are sometimes called Northern or Southern lights. They occur primarily at high latitudes because Earth's magnetic field ordinarily funnels these particles towards the poles.
Effects in Space
Satellites and astronauts out in space during a CME or large solar flare lack the protection afforded by Earth's atmosphere. Astronauts may be exposed to high doses of harmful radiation, possibly causing serious consequences for their health. The blast of charged particles can potentially fry satellites by causing massive power surges, causing serious damage to communications systems that rely on satellite transmission.
Electric Power
A major CME and the accompanying magnetic storm can temporarily take down earthbound power grids. In 1989, for example, a large CME downed HydroQuebec's power grid, and some 7 million people were temporarily left without electricity. The magnetic storm can also temporarily interfere with radio, phone and TV signals, affect compass readings and cause navigation instruments to misbehave. That's why space weather, just like stormy weather here on Earth, can sometimes prove very troublesome for humans.