Ominous map turns purple for 19 US states as El Niño brings snowmageddon
Ominous map turns purple for 19 US states as El Niño brings snowmageddon
Maria Villarroel Fri, October 2, 2026 at 11:17 AM UTC
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Americans should also expect above-average snowfall in New England, paired with frequent nor'easter storms -Credit:Direct Weather/YouTube
As the super El Niño prepares to make its way across the country, snowfall is expected to be heavily affected this winter season, a new map shows.
According to Direct Weather, a popular YouTube channel that creates short and long-term weather forecasts, this season’s super El Niño will bring above-average snowfall to the Southwest, the deep South, and the Southeast regions of the U.S.
Further north, Americans should also expect above-average snowfall in New England, paired with frequent nor'easter storms. A nor’easter is a large, powerful storm that forms along the East Coast of the U.S., that is characterized by strong winds coming from the northeast and onto the coast. It comes as 3 US cities were ranked as having the most toxic air to breathe in the world.
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Meanwhile, other parts of the country will see below-average snowfall due to the super El Niño, among them are the Pacific Northwest, the Midwest, and parts of the Great Plains, Direct Video reports.
Conversely, states that are expected to see average snowfall include northern Utah, Colorado, parts of southern Idaho, southern Wyoming, Indiana, and Ohio.
Conversely, states that are expected to see average snowfall include northern Utah, Colorado, parts of southern Idaho, southern Wyoming, Indiana, and Ohio -Credit:Anadolu via Getty Images
El Niño is a natural climate pattern that causes the surface waters of the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean to become unusually warm. Normally, strong east-to-west trade winds push warm surface water toward Asia and Australia. During El Niño, these trade winds weaken or even reverse direction.
Different parts of the world experience different effects of El Niño. For instance, regions such as Australia, Indonesia, and parts of South Asia often experience severe drought and elevated wildfire risk. Meanwhile, parts of the Americas and coastal South America often see heavy rainfall, floods, and storms.
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This year, the ongoing El Niño prevented the Atlantic Ocean from producing a hurricane in the month of September for the first time in more than 30 years. As a result, this past September joins the short list of three other Septembers without a hurricane. The last time it happened was in 1994, preceded by 1972 and 1962.
Tropical storms were produced in the Atlantic last month, however. The closest of those that reached hurricane intensity was Tropical Storm Fay.
By comparison, the average number of hurricanes per season is seven, with most occurring in September. Last year’s season only produced five hurricanes, which was considered below average. Three of those were produced in September.
This year, the ongoing El Niño prevented the Atlantic Ocean from producing a hurricane in the month of September for the first time in more than 30 years -Credit:Getty Images
Several states have already been preparing for the super El Niño this year. For instance, California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency last month, bracing for possible coastal flooding and high waves over the next few months.
Newsom directed officials to mobilize resources in preparation for destructive winter storms, flooding, landslides, and more.
The emergency proclamation detailed that the phenomenon could bring high surf and high-impact storms, which warrant “early, coordinated, and targeted preparedness actions to protect Californians, critical infrastructure, agricultural lands, natural resources, and the State’s economy.”
“California is strongest when we look out for one another. That is what this action is about,” Newsom said in a statement announcing the proclamation. “Giving communities the support they need, giving first responders the tools to do their jobs, and giving families the confidence that their state is ready.”
Newsom said several counties in the state had already seen the effects of El Niño. Among them was Santa Barbara County, which has experienced numerous storms in recent weeks. Likewise, in Orange County, homes have been flooded or severely damaged due to extreme weather.
Other cities that have declared states of emergency include Laguna Beach, Dana Point, and Carlsbad, citing coastal erosion brought by Hurricane Marie.
Source: “AOL Breaking”
