Blizzard conditions are expected to bury New England as two storms collide quickly bringing colder air, heavy snow and high wind to the region.
The worst part of the storm is reported to be late Friday and Friday night before tapering off Saturday morning.
But the effects from the storm could cause travel delays through the weekend as blowing and drifting snow is expected to cause road blocks and inclement driving conditions.
The strong winds blowing in with the storm will cause white-out conditions and massive drifts.
Flight delays are also expected for New England-centered flights but are expected to affect flights throughout the country.
Accuweater.com expert senior meteorologist Alex Sosnowski writes that snow can fall at the rate of 2 to 4 inches per hour and could possible be accompanied by thunder and lightning.
"The intense snowfall rate anticipated will is making the forecast especially challenging," Sosnowski posted on the weather site. "A matter of an hour of intense snow versus 8 hours of intense snow will make the difference between a manageable few inches and a debilitating few feet of snow. Nearby to the southeast of this intense snow, rain will be falling for a time."
Hartford, Providence to Boston, Worcester, Concord, Portsmouth and Portland are likely to be the hardest-hit areas in New England.
New York City, Long Island and central New Jersey will most likely be hit with rain for either part of the storm or for the duration of the entire weather event.
"Only if the two storms sync up completely would heavy snow wrap around into New York City for an extended period, bringing a foot of the white stuff," Sosnowski wrote. "Even so, without complete phasing of the storms, New York City and Long Island will get significant snow."
Road conditions in the mid-Atlantic are still expected to deteriorate regardless of the amount of snowfall, as some areas will experience a combination of snow and a wintry mix.
Read the National Weather Service Alert