Hi Jenny,
Geomagnetic storms related to solar wind events can have a significant effect on
satellite communication. They ionize the outer portion of the satellite and this can
temporarily disrupt signals. They can also disrupt the atmosphere in the vicinity
of the satellite causing the satellite to raise to a higher or lower position and to move
faster or slower than expected. Any of these could disrupt your signal. There was an
ionospheric disturbance with last night's flare, but it seems too small to have knocked
out the satellite communication (at least to me).
I will refer your question to Dr. Mike Kozuch or IGNS who may have an explanation -
he is usually very good about responding.