Intense geomagnetic storms (Dst≤-100 nT) have been associated with interplanetary structures involving large-intensity (Bs≥10 nT) and long-duration (T≥3 hours) values of the southward component of the IMF. We show that near solar maximum, the solar origin of such structures seems to be associated with active regions* (involving flares and/or filament eruptions) occurring close to the streamer belt and to growing low-latitude coronal holes. It is also shown that low-latitude coronal holes had a dual-peak solar cycle distribution during solar cycle 21, similar to that previously reported for the above mentioned interplanetary and geomagnetic phenomena. ¿ American Geophysical Union 1996