# Meteorologist Predicts Historic El Niño Snow Shift Across United States A 1,300-mile sleeper corridor faces increased winter storm risks due to climate shifts. - **Source:** [Science & tech Articles | Mail Online](https://www.dailymail.com?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490) - **Published:** 2026-11-08 - **Topic:** [science](https://brifing.si/c/science) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/d0ad507f-6c72-4eaa-b0b0-72d6f6a4f354 ## El Niño Weather Shift A historic El Niño event is significantly altering traditional winter snowfall maps across the United States. Meteorologist Ryan Hall reports that this phenomenon is pushing major storm threats into regions that typically experience milder winters. These atmospheric changes are driven by record-high ocean surface temperatures currently forming in the Pacific Ocean. ## The Sleeper Corridor Alert A 1,300-mile stretch from Oklahoma through Tennessee into the Carolinas and Virginia is under alert for increased winter precipitation. Projections indicate these areas may see 15 to 30 percent more snow than usual. This region is now considered a high-risk zone for sudden, heavy winter storms during the coming months. ## Southwest Snowfall Surges Cities in the Southwest, including Reno, Albuquerque, Flagstaff, and Amarillo, are expected to face major snowfall surges. Flagstaff, Arizona, which normally receives six feet of snow, could see nearly nine feet this winter. These projections represent a 30 percent increase over historical averages for these specific high-altitude and desert locations. ## Mid-Atlantic Winter Projections The Mid-Atlantic region, including Washington DC and Baltimore, faces a high probability of increased snowfall. Baltimore could receive over 30 inches, while Washington DC and Dover, Delaware, are projected to see two feet of snow. These totals significantly exceed the normal winter averages for these historically moderate coastal climate zones. ## Drier Northern Forecasts Conversely, northern regions and the Pacific Northwest are expected to experience a decrease in winter precipitation. Cities like Seattle, Spokane, and Portland may see a 30 percent drop in snow totals. Additionally, Chicago and other Midwestern cities are projected to have lower annual snowfall compared to their typical winter averages. ## Lessons from Past Storms The forecast warns of potential repeats of the deadly January 2026 winter storm, which caused widespread power outages and nearly 180 deaths. That event left millions without heat or electricity in sub-zero temperatures. Meteorologists emphasize that moisture-heavy storms can deliver an entire winter's worth of snow in a single event. ## Polar Vortex Wild Card A significant polar vortex collapse occurring in early November serves as a major variable for winter forecasts. This atmospheric disruption could funnel additional cold air from the North Pole into the United States starting in December. Such events can alter the jet stream, potentially increasing snow totals beyond current model predictions. ## Forecasting Model Methodology Ryan Hall generated these projections by analyzing data from over 5,000 weather stations during previous strong El Niño winters. By comparing these historical patterns with current long-range models, he established a range of potential snowfall outcomes. The model accounts for the inherent volatility that makes every El Niño winter unique. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.dailymail.com/sciencetech/article-16259663/winter-snow-totals-el-nino-us.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._