Winter 2026/27: Coastal Flooding & Mild Start
Winter 2026/27: Coastal Flooding & Mild Start
US · Published Oct 30, 2026
• The winter forecast for 2026/27 predicts significant impacts from a historic El Niño, expected to peak in strength within the next 2-4 weeks.
• This winter is anticipated to be a 'second-half winter,' with colder conditions and increased snowfall likely from mid-January through early March.

Impact & Risks

Coastal flooding and beach erosion are expected to be frequent throughout the winter, particularly during coastal storms. Snowfall will vary by zone, with coastal areas seeing below-normal amounts and higher elevations experiencing near-to-above-normal snowfall. Ice impacts are possible in certain zones, with freezing rain events likely. The Mid-Atlantic and New England regions face a high threat of significant winter storms, especially in January and February. Wild card events, such as a single storm producing a season's worth of snow, remain a possibility due to the strong El Niño conditions.

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