Forecasters say the storm will strengthen quickly offshore, producing snowfall rates of 1–2 inches per hour and wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph. AccuWeather warns that heavy snow combined with strong winds could create blizzard conditions across Long Island, New York City, and coastal areas.

A state of emergency and a travel ban were declared ahead of the powerful nor'easter storm.

Forecasters called travel conditions "extremely treacherous" and "nearly impossible" in areas hit hardest by the storm, and air and train traffic is at a standstill in many parts of the region.

It's not just snow plows clearing streets in New York. The city had 575 emergency snow shovelers on the job overnight. They cleared 1,500 crosswalks, 400 fire hydrants and 900 bus stops, according to the New York Times.

Snow fell at a rate of 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.6 centimeters) an hour early Monday from New York through Massachusetts.

The travel ban in New York City has been lifted as a major winter storm that dumped up to 20 inches across the city starts to taper off.

The storm in late January was bad enough. This one is bringing true blizzard conditions, and the city has stepped up its response.

New York City officials have warned the storm could rank among the city's worst in 150 years as several states across the US declared states of emergency. Follow for the latest updates.