A massive coastal storm is set to sweep over 12 states in the Northeast starting Friday as millions prepare for intense flooding, hurricane-force winds and possible blackouts.

The major nor'easter is expected to bring several inches of rain to states from Virginia to Maine between Friday and Sunday night. As much as eight inches could fall in a widespread area covering portions of Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

A nor'easter is a strong storm that forms along the US East Coast, named for the northeast winds that blow over the Mid-Atlantic and New England when a low-pressure system sits over the ocean.

Forecast models have shown this storm forming a hurricane-like eye as it slams into the East Coast this weekend, and the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued region-wide coastal flood and high wind warnings.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul said the state is 'preparing for the worst' and urged residents, especially in New York City and Long Island, to prepare for potentially deadly downed power lines and flooded streets.

According to AccuWeather, the worst-case scenario could see as much as 13 inches of rain fall and hurricane-force wind gusts of 80mph in certain areas, most likely along the Massachusetts coast and the eastern half of Long Island in New York.

Coastal communities in North Carolina, Virginia, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts have been warned that the nor'easter will push between two and three feet of water from the sea onto land - causing life-threatening flood conditions.

Regional blackouts in parts of New York, Massachusetts, Maine and New Hampshire may also be seen as trees are knocked down and power lines are snapped.

The weekend nor'easter is also expected to create potentially life-threatening conditions for anyone along East Coast beaches and the many ships and boats in the Atlantic.

NWS officials warned that oceans waves along the Northeast could reach 28 feet in height, endangering ships traveling between New Jersey and Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

NWS warned in a statement: 'Storm force winds and hazardous seas will capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility. Mariners should remain in port, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for severe conditions.'

On land, urgent rip current warnings have been issued in parts of North Carolina, along the Jersey Shore and in the great New York City area.

Rip currents are strong, narrow channels of water that flow quickly away from the shore, often pulling swimmers out to sea. 

They can be deadly, sweeping people into deeper water and exhausting them as they try to fight against the current.

This is a breaking story. More details to follow. 

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