The edge of a powerful storm is expected to bring driving winds and over 2 feet of snow, along with possible coastal flooding. The storm has now reached the Northeast as of early this morning, resulting in the cancellations of thousands of flights.

The Chicago Tribune reports that warnings of a blizzard were in effect from New Jersey through southern Maine, with Boston expected to be hit with a majority of the storm. The day started with minor snow and winds that are slated to pick up with a much heavier amount of snowfall by the afternoon.

"The snow has taken over and it is accumulating. This is really serious. This is a storm that can cripple all of southern New England. A blizzard is not about the amounts of snow. A blizzard is about sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 mph or higher over three hours or longer," Fox CT meteorologist Joe Furey stated.

Officials have urged residents in the Northeastern region to stay home, rather than run the risk of getting stuck in whiteout conditions or deep drifts.

Looking to be fully prepared, New York City, which is still not fully recovered from the devastating outcome of Hurricane Sandy, reportedly has 1,800 Sanitation Department trucks with snow plows that are ready to be deployed.

Motorists, who are mindful of drastic fuel disruptions following Sandy, are currently rushing to buy gasoline once again, leading to more shortages in New York City.

"You always get long lines ahead of a storm, but as the wounds from Hurricane Sandy are still so fresh, it's not surprising that people are rushing to fill up. It's understandable. Even people like me who would normally think it was foolish to panic buy will be thinking about it," said Michael Watt, executive director of the Long Island Gasoline Retailers Association.

Boston and its surrounding communities stated that schools would be closed on Friday, and both city and state officials told city workers not needed to stay put at home.

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