By Jennifer Lilonsky (staff@latinospost.com) | First Posted: Feb 07, 2013 11:53 PM EST

A blizzard warning has been issued for New York City, Southern Westchester County and coastal areas of Northeast New Jersey, according to an alert from the National Weather Service.

The warning will stay in effect from 6 a.m. Friday until 1 p.m. EST Saturday.

"A blizzard warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong wings and poor visibilities are likely," the National Weather service writes in their alert message.

"This will lead to white-out conditions, making travel extremely dangerous. Do not travel. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle."

Snow accumulations are expected to be anywhere between 10 to 14 inches, while some areas may experience higher amounts depending on where certain snow bands develop over the region.

The heaviest snow is expected to fall Friday night into Saturday morning.

Wind is another element of the storm with speeds between 15 to 25 mph and gusts up to 45 mph that will affect driving conditions with visibilities near zero in white-out conditions.

And expect the temperature to drop into the 20s by Friday night with visibilities at one-quarter mile or less depending on your location.

Power outages could be another possible result of this winter weather event because of falling tree limbs.

The National Weather Service also warns of overexertion when shoveling snow that could possibly lead to a heart attack---a condition they say is a major cause of fatalities in the winter months.

The weather organization also urges people to keep dry and change wet clothing to avoid losing body heat and to be vigilant of signs of frostbite that include a white or pale appearance in extremities like fingers, toes, ear lobes, and nose.

Blizzard warnings are issued when winds are expected to sustain at 35 mph or higher along with a high amount of snowfall that reduces visibility to one-quarter mile or less. The conditions are expected to remain for a minimum of three hours.

(SOURCE)