Close to 30 million people across the United States are currently under weather alerts as a formidable winter storm makes its way toward the East Coast. This has led to the issuance of an uncommon blizzard warning for New York City.

This storm is anticipated to unleash some of the harshest weather conditions on eastern Massachusetts, particularly in areas like Cape Cod and Nantucket, where wind gusts might exceed 70 mph.

Warnings have also been extended to residents in New York, Delaware, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania, advising them to prepare for extremely cold weather.

In New York City, where the storm is expected to hit hardest, the National Weather Service reports that snowfall could start as early as 7 p.m. on Sunday and continue until noon on Monday.

Forecasters are anticipating that parts of the city could be buried under 13 to 20 inches of snow due to an approaching bomb cyclone.

In light of this, a blizzard warning has been issued for New York City for the first time since March 2017.

Officials warned that travel would become ‘dangerous, if not impossible’ with power outages and downed tree limbs likely due to the snow and winds.

The storm could also trigger moderate coastal flooding of up to 2.5 feet potentially affecting the Hudson River. Vehicles parked near the water may be at the risk of flooding, the weather service said.

13 to 18 inches of snow were predicted to hit New York City, although the National Weather Service warned that could be more

The heaviest snowfall in New York City was expected between 7pm Sunday and noon Monday, with locals placed under an unusual blizzard warning

The unusual blizzard warning was issued as officials warned the storm could continue to strengthen and drive snowfall totals even higher.

Forecasts predict the system’s pressure to intensify rapidly, forming what is known as a bomb cyclone or an Arctic hurricane.

In an even stronger storm scenario, Central Park could receive up to 21 inches of snow, while JFK and Newark airports could see as much as 23 inches.

The odds of that outcome were placed at around 25 percent by New York City Emergency Management on X.

If the projections hold, the storm would bring the city’s heaviest snow since February 1, 2021, when 14.8 inches fell.

This weekend’s massive snow storm is predicted to initially develop off the coast of the Carolinas and then move northward along the coast.

The National Weather Service has also upgraded southern Delaware and the Jersey Shore to blizzard warnings.

New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill declared a state of emergency starting noon Sunday ahead of what she called a ‘severe’ storm. 

Central Park could even see up to 21 inches of snow in a stronger scenario for this weekend’s winter storm

In Connecticut, officials activated the state’s emergency management plan to assist residents in need during the storm. 

Officials in Delaware urged residents to limit travel to ’emergencies only’ and advised anyone who must venture out to carry a ‘winter survival kit’ due to the storm’s severity. 

Some communities in Pennsylvania declared states of emergencies, although the state was yet to do so as of Saturday afternoon. 

Washington DC and Philadelphia are forecast to be hit before the storm eventually reaches New York.

Boston has also been issued a blizzard warning through 7am Tuesday.

Major travel disruptions, likely lasting days, are likely at airports across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.

The New York City Emergency Management service warned that blizzard conditions typically cause widespread flight cancellations, delays, and ground stops at JFK, LaGuardia and Newark.

Delays were expected at regional airports in wake of the snow storm, with New York City authorities already warning that cancellations and delays were typical after blizzard condition

Authorities warned that travel would become ‘dangerous, if not impossible’ given the likely power outages and downed tree limbs

The latest storm arrives just weeks after a separate system blanketed the city, with the snow just having melted in New York City.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani said officials were better prepared this time. During the previous storm, at least 18 people were found dead outdoors.

In response, Mamdani has resumed homeless encampment sweeps across all five boroughs.

He said the Department of Homeless Services would now lead the sweeps, rather than the New York City Police Department.