A powerful winter storm is forecast to unleash blizzard conditions across parts of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast beginning Sunday night, with meteorologists warning of heavy snowfall, damaging wind gusts and significant travel disruption.

Weather models indicate the system will intensify rapidly as it tracks northward along the Eastern Seaboard, drawing in moisture from the Atlantic and cold air from the interior United States.

The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings and blizzard watches for several states, with the heaviest accumulations expected in eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and portions of New England.

Snowfall totals could exceed a foot in some areas, while sustained winds of up to 40 miles per hour, with higher gusts along coastal regions, are likely to produce whiteout conditions and drifting snow.

Forecasters caution that visibility may drop to near zero at times, particularly overnight Sunday into Monday morning, as the storm reaches peak intensity.

Major metropolitan areas, including Washington, Philadelphia, New York City and Boston, are preparing for hazardous road conditions, flight cancellations and possible temporary service suspensions on commuter rail networks.

State and local authorities have activated emergency response measures, pre-positioning snowploughs and salt trucks and urging residents to avoid non-essential travel.

Utility companies are also on alert as strong winds could bring down power lines, raising the risk of localized outages.

The storm’s rapid development, driven by a sharp temperature gradient and a strengthening coastal low-pressure system, has prompted comparisons to past high-impact nor’easters.

Officials are advising residents to monitor official forecasts closely, stock essential supplies and exercise caution as the winter system advances through the region early in the week.