El Niño Expected to Bring Historic Snowfall and Ice Risks Across the U.S.
El Niño Expected to Bring Historic Snowfall and Ice Risks Across the U.S.
US · Published Aug 26, 2026
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has raised the likelihood of a very strong El Niño event for the 2026-2027 winter season to over 90%, with sea surface temperature anomalies in the eastern equatorial Pacific exceeding 3.0°C.
This phenomenon is expected to significantly alter weather patterns across the United States.

Impact & Risks

The impacts of this El Niño event are expected to vary significantly by region. In the West, heavy snowfall could benefit ski resorts but also increase avalanche risks and travel disruptions. The East Coast, particularly areas like Virginia, Delaware, and southern New Jersey, may face severe ice storms, which can lead to hazardous driving conditions and power outages. The northern tier, including the northern Rockies and Great Lakes, will likely experience freeze-thaw cycles that could damage infrastructure. Along the southern edge of the wet signal, freezing rain poses a significant risk, as seen in past events where ice storms caused fatalities and billions in damages.

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