Despite the below-average forecast for the Atlantic, NOAA emphasizes that it only takes one storm to cause widespread damage. Areas along the U.S. Gulf Coast, the Caribbean, and the western Atlantic remain at risk, as El Niño's influence can be unpredictable. In the Pacific, Hawaii and the U.S. West Coast face heightened risks due to increased storm activity. Additionally, inland areas such as Arizona and New Mexico could experience flash flooding from Pacific storm remnants. Warmer-than-average ocean temperatures, exacerbated by climate change, may intensify storm impacts, including heavier rainfall, stronger winds, and prolonged durations.