El Niño bringing a brutal winter to the U.S. and how should Americans prepare?

Fall is underway across the United States, and although the official start of winter is still several weeks away , the weather is already becoming a factor in plans for the coming months. Between holiday travel, family gatherings, and Christmas preparations, there is one thing worth taking care of early: getting ready for weather conditions that could complicate the winter season.

One factor meteorologists are watching for the winter of 2026-2027 is El Niño, a climate phenomenon that can alter rainfall patterns , storm tracks, and temperatures across different regions. Its effects will not be the same everywhere in the country, but some scenarios point to a season with significant rainfall.

Which regions of the U.S. could face the most challenges?

Florida and parts of the East Coast could experience periods of frequent rainfall, severe storms, and flooding . California and other parts of the Southwest could also see significant precipitation, although its distribution and intensity will depend on how weather conditions develop.

In the Northeast, milder temperatures would not rule out coastal storms, while some areas of the Midwest could see less snowfall early in the season.

How to prepare your home before winter arrives

Waiting until a storm is approaching to inspect your home can leave little time to react. Fall is a good opportunity to check the condition of your roof and windows, as well as areas where leaks could develop . Cleaning gutters, clearing drains, and making sure your heating system is working properly can also help prevent problems when temperatures drop or rainfall increases.

If you live in a flood-prone area, identify routes to safer locations and stay informed about alerts from local authorities. It is also important to secure outdoor furniture and other items that could be blown around by strong winds.

Having an emergency kit ready can also provide peace of mind if a storm causes power outages or makes it impossible to leave home. Keep drinking water, nonperishable food, flashlights, batteries, portable chargers, a first-aid kit, and any medications your family needs . Store copies of important documents in a protected place, and agree on how to stay in touch with loved ones if regular communication services become unavailable.

How to protect your Christmas plans from bad weather

The holiday season often brings road trips, family visits, and days away from home. However, a sudden change in weather conditions can disrupt any itinerary. Before traveling, check the forecast for your entire route, review official weather alerts, and check road conditions . If storms are expected, consider changing your departure time or finding a safer alternative.

If you plan to spend several days away, make sure your home is prepared for the expected temperatures and ask someone you trust to check on it if a problem arises.