A major winter storm with the potential for hurricane-force winds and heavy snow is threatening to slam the Northeast this weekend. The quickly-intensifying winter storm could develop into a nor’easter, and possibly a bomb cyclone, according to AccuWeather. 

“A winter storm is likely to create significant impacts across New England Friday night through Sunday,” the National Weather Service said Thursday. “Notable impacts may also extend south along the East Coast through North Carolina.”

The heaviest snow is anticipated in New England, although snowfall is also possible in metro areas further south, including New York City and Washington, D.C., the weather agency said. Coastal northeastern cities could also be in for strong hurricane-force wind gusts, according to Accuweather. 

Eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island could see up to 18 inches of snow from the storm, which could be dubbed a bomb cyclone — occurring when a cyclone rapidly intensifies and strengthens due to the central pressure decreasing by at least 24 millibars in 24 hours. 

Parts of Connecticut could see up to 12 inches of snowfall, and the New York City area could see six inches or more, although forecasters warn of uncertainty and the possibility of significant changes. 

In Virginia, the governor has declared a state of emergency. 

“Heavy wet snow along with high winds are predicted which poses a threat for downed trees, electrical outages, and major impacts to travel. In addition, there is also the threat of tidal flooding,” the Virginia Department of Emergency Management said Thursday in a news release. 

The National Weather Service urged those in the storm’s potential path to monitor forecast updates, be ready for potential scattered power outages, purchase snow shovels and fill up car gas tanks ahead of time.