(NEXSTAR) - NASA scientists have issued warnings of an increased risk of flooding along the West and East Coasts this winter, as El Niño reaches its peak. The phenomenon is expected to bring heavy snow to some states, unseasonably warm temperatures to others, and coastal flooding to both coasts.

On the West Coast, the elevated risk of flooding is attributed to a strong El Niño, which would bring more high tide flooding. According to NASA's sea level change science team, there is a greater than 55% chance of a "strong" El Niño occurring this year. In fact, there is a 35% chance that it could be one of the strongest ever recorded, similar to the El Niños of 2015-2016 and 1997-1998.

Cities such as Seattle and San Diego, which do not usually experience unusually high tides known as "king tides" outside of El Niño years, could witness as many as five "10-year flood events" during this winter season. These events refer to floods that have a one in 10 chance of occurring in any given year. The frequency of these more severe floods is expected to increase over the coming decades due to the effects of climate change.

In addition to the increased likelihood of king tides, California is also expected to face a wetter-than-average winter, further intensifying the risk of flooding for low-lying roads and buildings.

On the East Coast, the impact of El Niño on flooding differs from that on the West Coast. Analysis by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reveals that El Niño causes more high-tide flooding for the mid-Atlantic states, while the effects further north and in the Gulf are minimal.

However, the Gulf and Southeast coasts are not without risk this winter. Ben Hamlington, a NASA sea level research scientist, explains that El Niño could lead to additional flooding in these areas. Unlike the West Coast, where sea levels are pushed higher, the Gulf and Southeast face an increased risk of flooding due to El Niño-fueled storms that bring heavy rainfall in a short period of time.

NOAA predicts that a wide band of states from Louisiana up to the Carolinas is strongly favored to experience above-average precipitation during this winter, further compounding the flooding risk for the region.

As El Niño continues to peak, residents along both the West and East Coasts are urged to stay informed about potential flood risks and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and protect their properties.

Overall, as scientists closely monitor El Niño's behavior this winter, the potential for flooding remains a significant concern for coastal communities across the United States, emphasizing the need for proactive measures and preparedness.