Powerful east coast snowstorm will miss Quebec

Forecast snow accumulations for the upcoming winter storm that is expected to impact the Middle Atlantic and portions of the Northeast US. (AccuWeather)

A powerful winter storm is taking shape over the southern US this afternoon. Computer models have been consistent from the start in keeping this system well south of Montreal, and that has not changed. The storm is forecast to rapidly intensify as it moves off the coast of the Carolina's late Friday. Heavy snow is forecast to fall in a swath from Kentucky and Virginia into Maryland, New Jersey and New York City. On the extreme northern edge of the storm, some snow may fall in coastal southern New England, Boston and Albany.

Forecasters are predicting this system to be historic in places with over 2 feet of snow forecast in Washington D.C. Blizzard warnings are in effect for Delaware and Maryland. Travel may become impossible in the I-95 corridor. High winds are going to impact all regions, but especially coastal areas where winds may gust over 100km/h (60 mph). Coastal flooding is expected from North Carolina to New England and even into southern Nova Scotia. The full wolf moon this weekend will only add to wave heights along the east coast. The storm is forecast to move out to sea on Sunday well south of Atlantic Canada.