The strong El Niño event is expected to bring warmer winter temperatures, which could lead to reduced snowpack in Washington's mountains, particularly at lower elevations. This may exacerbate water shortages, as reservoirs are already below normal levels following last year's drought. Coastal communities face heightened risks of flooding due to temporarily elevated sea levels, compounded by climate change-induced sea level rise and storm surges. While precipitation patterns during El Niño events are less predictable, there is a general tendency for drier winters in the Pacific Northwest, which could further strain water resources and impact agriculture and ecosystems.