The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for New York and New Jersey on Friday ahead of Sunday’s snowstorm. Updated forecasts show the tri-state could get as much as 12 to 18 inches during the overnight hours beginning Sunday.

The National Weather Service released a winter storm warning at 12:57 p.m. on Friday valid from Sunday 7 a.m. until Tuesday 7 a.m. for Monroe, Wayne and Cayuga counties.

A powerful winter storm is expected to hit the New York City area this weekend, possibly bringing up to 16 inches of snow.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a winter storm warning for New York City. A winter storm warning means that hazardous weather is either imminent or occurring. According to the NWS, as hazardous weather approaches an area, watches will be upgraded to warnings if necessary.

According to the Newsweek report, the NWS winter storm warnings cover eight states where severe winter weather is anticipated. These include New York, Oklahoma, Texas, and Michigan, as well as regions of Maryland and Virginia,

Heavy lake‑effect snow and gusty winds could make travel difficult from Tuesday.

A new burst of arctic air was on the way, and there is an "increasing potential of another significant winter storm" for Eastern states this weekend, the National Weather Service said.

Officials in several cities, including Boston, New York and Philadelphia, advised residents to avoid traveling if possible through the weekend.