Millions of people in the Northeastern U.S. prepare to be in shutdown mode before the coming of a "crippling" powerful blizzard that can cover the area in three feet of snow, prompting authorities to close roads, rail and flight services. 

The U.S. weather service sounded the alarm over the in-bound "potentially historic" blizzard, with a large part of the East Coast forecast to be covered in 12 to 24 inches of snow. New York City and its surrounding areas may take the brunt of the storm, battered by winds barreling at 50 miles per hour.

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Mass transport systems in Connecticut, New Jersey, Massachusetts and New York planned to scale down services and several state governors told motorists to stay off roads by nightfall in an area where around 50 million people live.

The governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo, placed the state under a state of emergency and sent National Guard forces to several southern counties and New York City. Cuomo warned New Yorkers preparing for the blizzard could spell the difference between life and death so caution was necessary.

New York City authorities eye a complete ban on travel on main roads, beginning 11 PM EST.

The city's subways will continue service until around 8 in the evening, when service will stop to let equipment and subway cars be stowed, Cuomo told media.

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said city public schools will be shut on Tuesday while two rail services, Long Island and Metro-North will end operations by 11 PM.

Governor Chris Christie also placed his home state, New Jersey, under a state of emergency. Most state workers were sent home on Monday while New Jersey commuter trains will cease operations, starting at 10 PM on Monday, Christie said.

The governors of Connecticut and Massachusetts also ordered bans on driving all day on Tuesday. The state leaders feared thousands of homes could lose their energy supply, blackouts that could last for days.

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker said with the historic top-five storm, he is not taking any chances, ordering the Boston-area rail system to be closed on Tuesday. He also advised coastal residents to prepare for flooding.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest said President Barack Obama, who is on an official visit to India, has been briefed on the looming weather blowout, earlier on Monday. 

Tagsblizzard, historic blizzard, Shutdown, Northeastern U.S., snowstorm