Generac Encourages Homeowners to Prepare for an Unpredictable and Potentially Historic El Niño Winter

New Winter Weather Preparedness Guide Helps Families Prepare for Severe Weather and Potential Power Outages

WAUKESHA, Wis., Nov. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Generac Holdings Inc. (NYSE: GNRC), a leading global designer, manufacturer and provider of energy technology solutions and other power products, is encouraging homeowners to prepare for unpredictable winter weather and potential outages caused by snow, ice, wind and extreme cold. The company's new 2026 Winter Weather Preparedness Guide answers practical questions about preparing homes for winter power outages and maintaining backup power equipment before severe weather arrives.

This winter, a potentially historic El Niño could bring shifting precipitation patterns and fast-changing conditions across the United States. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, El Niño continues to strengthen, with a strong-to-very strong event likely through January–March 2027 and an 83% chance it could reach historic strength from October through December.

"Winter weather can change quickly, and power outages can make it more difficult for families to stay safe, warm and connected," said Kyle Raabe, Generac President, Home Power Generation. "Unlike summer storms, the impacts of severe winter weather can intensify long after the storm has passed, particularly when prolonged power outages leave homes without heat in dangerously cold temperatures. While homeowners cannot control the forecast, they can take practical steps now to understand their risks, prepare their homes and put a backup power plan in place before severe weather arrives."

This latest edition of Generac's 2026 Winter Weather Preparedness Guide provides information and checklists to help homeowners prepare before a storm, stay safe during severe weather and manage an extended power outage.

Winter Risks Vary by Region

Whether homeowners live on the Pacific Coast or thousands of miles from it, El Niño can shape winter weather in their area.

• Midwest and Northeast: Even if temperatures are milder overall, snow, ice, wind and quick temperature swings can still strain trees and power lines.
• South and Gulf Coast: Heavy rain, flooding, freezing rain and brief periods of snow or ice can disrupt communities less accustomed to winter weather.
• Western and Mountain States: Heavy rain, mountain snow, high winds and flooding can put added pressure on power infrastructure, especially in rural areas.

How to Prepare Your Home for a Winter Power Outage

Homeowners wondering how to prepare for a winter power outage should start before a storm watch or warning is issued. Generac recommends taking the following steps:

• Identify nearby warming centers, including their hours and whether they accept pets.
• Create a family communication plan with primary and backup meeting locations.
• Install and regularly test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
• Assemble an emergency kit with food, water, medications, first-aid supplies, lighting and other necessities.
• Charge phones and essential electronics, and review backup plans for refrigerated medications or medical devices that require power.
• Prepare the home for outages by protecting pipes, confirming generator fuel levels and considering the backup power option that best fits the household.

How to Get a Home Standby Generator Ready for Winter

For homeowners asking how to get a home standby generator ready for winter, Generac recommends inspecting equipment before snow, ice and extreme cold arrive. Preparations should include:

• Clearing debris and obstructions from around the unit
• Checking fuel and oil connections for signs of leaks
• Inspecting the fuel system
• Reviewing the battery, air filter, spark plugs and oil level

For more detailed winter preparedness checklists and answers to common questions about outages, backup power and generator care, consult the 2026 Winter Weather Preparedness Guide. Homeowners can also contact a local Generac dealer to explore backup power options.

About Generac

Generac is a total energy solutions company that empowers people to use energy on their own terms. Founded in 1959, Generac is a leading global designer, manufacturer, and provider of a wide range of energy technology solutions. The Company provides power generation equipment, energy storage systems, energy management devices & solutions, and other power products and services serving the residential, commercial, data center, telecom, rental, and industrial markets. Generac introduced the first affordable backup generator and later created the automatic home standby generator category. The Company's broad portfolio of energy technology offerings for homes and businesses enables its mission to Power a Smarter World and lead the evolution to more resilient, efficient, and innovative energy solutions.

CONTACT: [email protected]

SOURCE Generac Power Systems, Inc.