Bombshell Cyclone Noreaster: The Northeast faces heavy snow and blizzard conditions this weekend, but models are still unclear on the severity of the situation

“This storm is likely to strengthen at a rate and intensity equivalent to the most powerful hurricanes alone, so the upscale potential of this storm cannot be overstated. But with northeasters, as in the ‘real estate, it will be all about location, location, location,’ CNN meteorologist Brandon Miller said.

Moderate to heavy snowfall is possible from New York to northeastern North Carolina, “but confidence in potential impacts is much lower,” forecasters said.

The storm could dump up to 8 inches of snow in Philadelphia and New York, while Washington, DC, could see up to 2 inches, according to multiple forecast models.

The dual threat of heavy snow and strong winds has the potential to create blizzard-like conditions in the northeast.

A blizzard occurs when snow is joined by winds blowing over 35 mph for more than three hours and creates visibility of less than a quarter mile.

Coastal flooding is a possibility

It is still too early to predict the precise impact of storms and snowfall.

“We cannot rule out a return west or even further eastward movement with less snow,” forecasters said early Thursday.

In addition to gusty winds and blowing snow, coastal flooding can also occur in some places. “Significant coastal impacts are possible in the northeast, including coastal flooding and beach erosion,” the forecast center said.

The stronger the storm, the greater the rise in water levels along the coast.

“Coastal flooding is a concern thanks to Saturday’s sky high tides,” the Boston Weather Services office said. “The combination of strong northeasterly winds and high seas will bring storm surges which, if coincident with high tide, would result in minor to moderate coastal flooding.”

The difference in the timing of storms – even as little as six hours – would make a huge difference in the impact on coastal flooding and erosion issues.

Different forecast models show different paths for the storm, making it difficult to pinpoint precisely what will happen, the National Weather Service said. These discrepancies are largely due to the fact that each model uses different methods to determine its forecast, explained CNN meteorologist Robert Shackelford.

Snow expected in the Great Lakes region

The area experienced freezing conditions on Wednesday, with crashes reported in northern Indiana after drivers lost control on slippery bridges, officials said.

A FedEx tractor-trailer was left hanging over a bridge on the Indiana Toll Road in St. Joseph County when the driver lost control after being hit by another vehicle that also lost control, said Sgt. Indiana State Police District 24 spokesman Ted Bohner.

The FedEx truck hit the rear of another vehicle causing that vehicle to skid and the FedEx truck hit a concrete barrier wall of a bridge, Bohner said.

Another car also lost control on the icy roads, hitting and overturning a guardrail, officials said. The van “rolled or slid down the embankment and nearly veered onto a road parallel to the toll road,” Bohner said.