Americans Heading South This Winter May Encounter Supercharged Storms

Americans planning to escape the cold and spend the winter in warmer southern states may face an unexpected challenge this year. Forecasters are warning that a strengthening El Niño climate pattern could turn the southern United States into a “storm highway” during the coming winter, increasing the risk of both extreme rainfall and severe thunderstorms.

The seasonal movement-commonly known as “snowbirding”-typically begins in October or November and lasts through March or April. Florida remains the most popular destination, with Arizona, Texas, South Carolina and other parts of the Southeast and Southwest also drawing large seasonal populations. While retirees have traditionally made up the bulk of snowbirds, the rise of remote work has also enabled some pre-retirees and working-age Americans to spend part of the winter in warmer climates.

This winter, those travelers might be escaping the colder conditions of northern states, but they could face an increased threat from extreme weather.

“A storm highway’ is possible from the West to the South and East Coast next winter as El Niño supercharges the subtropical jet stream,” The Washington Post meteorologist Ben Noll posted on X on Tuesday. “Chances for extreme rainfall and severe storms will probably both be much higher than normal. Not looking like the best winter to head south!”

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This story was originally published July 7, 2026 at 5:35 PM.