NOAA forecasts El Niño to emerge by July 2026, increasing high tide flooding risks for U.S. coastal communities.
- El Niño raises sea levels along the West Coast, causing tides to push further inland. - Atlantic coast faces more storm surge events due to a shifted jet stream.
- Gulf and Southeast Coasts may see higher rainfall. - Decades of sea level rise compound the threat, creating a "double whammy" effect.
Communities can use NOAA's Coastal Inundation Dashboard and outlooks to prepare for potential flooding.