The Solar 'Katrina' Storm That Could Take Our Power Grid Out For Years

[GhettoDogAllStars]

While I think it is very unlikely, it does seem possible that solar events could affect simple electronics on the surface of the earth (i.e.: integrated circuit boards):

http://www.breadandbutterscience.com/SSTA.pdf

Originally Posted by James A. Marusek (page 21, section C)

A few high-energy nuclear particles and ions (energy levels greater than 500 MeV) within an SPE can travel all the way down to the planet’s surface. This can produce equipment damage similar to the damage observed on spacecraft. The area most vulnerable are the regions of magnetic pole reversals, such as the South Atlantic Anomaly.

In any case, this is a very thorough article about solar events and the threat they pose to humans.