The National Weather Service recently announced that there is an 82% chance that El Niño will begin in the summer of 2026. This natural weather pattern warms parts of the Pacific Ocean, which affects the climate in many parts of the United States.
Many communities, especially coastal areas, may experience heavier rain, storm surge, and storm surge, and coastal homeowners may need emergency preparedness plans for the coming months.
Here’s what homeowners need to know to prepare for the extreme weather expected in 2026.
Why does El Niño cause more storms and floods?
El Niño events can cause sea levels to temporarily rise, creating storm surges that can push farther inland and flood homes. Additionally, some areas of the U.S. could see more rain, which could lead to water backflows and clogged storm drains.
How to prepare your home for extreme storms this summer
To properly prepare for extreme weather events, here are some home maintenance tasks you may want to complete in advance. You can also create a power outage preparedness checklist to ensure you are prepared.
- Clean gutters and downspouts.
- Test the sump pump
- Install a water alarm at home
- cut off dead tree branches
- Take photos and create an inventory of your belongings
- Pack your belongings into an emergency bag
Regina Neenan, CFP®, ABFP®, director and partner of cash flow and insurance planning at FPFoCo, a personal financial advisory firm, also recommends that homeowners have emergency cash on hand “enough to cover routine home emergencies, such as a broken water heater or plumbing or electrical issues.”
They explain that being able to cover minor repairs yourself can help prevent insurance claims and premium increases. In the event of major repairs or extensive damage, an emergency fund can help cover your deductible.
How to make an emergency kit for multi-day power outages
According to Ready.gov, which educates the public about disaster preparedness, homeowners can prepare for power outages in several different ways. The first step is to take stock of emergency supplies such as flashlights, batteries, and portable chargers. Stock up on non-perishable foods and be sure to have a manual can opener.
If you are taking any medication that requires refrigeration, ask your healthcare provider about storage options.
Generator safety tips during power outages that homeowners should know
Generators can help power small appliances during power outages, but it’s important to use them safely. Ready.gov experts recommend using your generator outdoors, at least 20 feet away from your home, to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
How to secure outdoor furniture from storms and strong winds
If high winds are expected, bring small items indoors, such as furniture, grills, and toys. Flying objects such as patio umbrellas and planters can cause serious damage and break glass if left outside. If you have large items like trampolines or pergolas, secure them with heavy-duty lawn anchors.
What homeowners need to know about flood risk and insurance coverage
Larry Kissel, vice president of personal insurance real estate at Travelers Insurance, explains that while homeowners insurance covers some storm damage, “it typically doesn’t cover flooding.” Therefore, if you live in a flood-prone area, consider purchasing separate insurance just for flood damage. The National Flood Insurance Program sells insurance to homeowners seeking home insurance coverage for flood risk.
Will my homeowners insurance cover hurricane damage?
“Most homeowners insurance policies cover wind damage, which is one of the most common causes of property damage from storms,” says Kissel. Additionally, we explained that most homeowners insurance policies will cover repair costs after tornadoes, hurricanes, and other types of storms.
However, Kissel said coverage may vary depending on the policy. Therefore, homeowners should check the details of their individual policies to understand what is covered.
FAQ
Will El Niño cause more power outages?
El Niño can cause heavy rain, storms, flooding, and strong winds, and can also cause power outages in affected areas.
What types of storms cause the most damage to homes?
According to the National Center for Environmental Information, 403 severe weather and weather events between 1980 and 2025 caused nearly $3 trillion in damages. Storm types that caused more than $1 billion in damages in 2024 included five tropical cyclones, one wildfire, two winter storms, and 17 severe storms.
Does homeowners insurance cover flood damage?
While standard home insurance can cover storm damage, it rarely covers flood damage. Homeowners in flood-prone areas can purchase separate flood insurance. For many homeowners in coastal areas, homeowners insurance is worth the cost to repair your home after an extreme weather event.
What is not covered during severe weather?
Homeowners insurance typically does not cover floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, or sewer backups. Check your policy carefully to see what is covered and what is excluded. If you have a home warranty policy, be sure to check the home warranty exclusions as well.
