A powerful weather system is wreaking havoc in the tri-state area, bringing heavy rain and strong winds on Saturday. Northern New England is also witnessing snowfall as the storm moves rapidly through the region.

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for the New York City metro area, central, and southern New Jersey. Parts of the region could see up to 4 inches of rainfall, with the heaviest downpour expected in the afternoon and early evening. Minor flooding in low-lying areas, such as roads and yards, is possible. Residents are advised to stay cautious as isolated flooding may persist into Sunday.

Additionally, the New York City area is under a wind advisory, with winds expected to reach up to 25 mph throughout the day. The National Weather Service has warned that such gusts could potentially cause flying debris, power outages, and pose a risk of unsecured objects being propelled through the air. Even stronger wind gusts between 45 to 50 mph are anticipated.

The storm is causing significant disruptions elsewhere as well. Northern New England is experiencing heavy snowfall, with over 30 million people in the northern Rockies, Upper Midwest, Great Lakes, and New England regions placed under winter alerts. The Upper Midwest and Great Lakes are expected to receive 2 to 7 inches of snow, while northern New England may see snow accumulations as high as 12 to 18 inches.

Authorities in Maine have issued warnings, stating that this storm might bring the largest snowfall of the season. Motorists are urged to exercise caution as mixed precipitation could create hazardous travel conditions. The Twin Cities area is also anticipating more than 12 inches of snow, surpassing the previous snowfall total from the last season, which was 14.3 inches when combined with a 2.9-inch accumulation from a previous snowstorm in the area.

As the weather system continues its path, residents across the affected regions are advised to stay updated with their local forecasts and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during these challenging weather conditions.