Source? I believe it depends on what part of the magnetic field the CME hits. There are more people living closer to the north pole which might give that impression initially.
Here in Australia I leaned pretty quickly from other local Aurora chasers not to rely on Kp, which is relevant to North America only. Instead I use the global storm strength and the Hobart magnometer readings.
Colours, ribbons, arcs and beams all visible to the naked eye and on camera.
Normally with aurouras, you only get to see a faint greyish glow on the horizon and it only looks good on camera. Not this time.