El Niño winter: flash floods and mudslides on dry ground

NOAA's 2026-27 winter outlook warns of flash floods and mudslides, according to FOX 5 NY's coverage of the outlook.

What happened

NOAA's outlook says drought could ease in parts of the Southwest, Southern Plains, Southeast and East Coast, while worsening drought is possible in the northern Rockies. It warns that heavy rain on drought-stricken, dry ground could cause flash floods and mudslides. Ken Graham of the National Weather Service said a very strong El Niño will likely shift the jet stream southward and eastward over the contiguous U.S.

What it means for your home

Flash floods and mudslides can develop fast, so a plan made before the rain starts is worth the time. Your family should know where to go and what to grab if you are told to leave.

What to do this week

• Pick two evacuation routes from home and one meeting place outside your area.
• Put a go-bag by the door with medicines, water, a light and a phone charger.
• Store birth certificates, insurance papers and IDs in a waterproof pouch.
• Charge a headlamp and check the batteries in your weather radio.
• Sign up for alerts from your county or city.

For the full plan, read the family emergency plan.