I don't really understand EMPs much, so bear with me.

If a large solar flare occurred that was pointed toward Earth, and it was severe enough to cause EMP problems to all our communications, etc, would the effects be only on the side of the Earth that was facing the sun at the time? Or would the effect "wash" all around the globe and affect the entire planet?

I'm sorry if this is a silly question, and I give you permission to laugh.

Sue