Snow blows in

(NBCNC) - A powerful blizzard forming over the Northeast is expected to dump as much as several feet of snow in some places.

Millions across the region are preparing for the Nor'easter.

The early warning signs were heavy snow pushing across the Midwest and steady rain driven by strong winds moving in from the Southeast.

The two systems collide later today across New England.

From Maine through Boston thousands of residents are bracing for impact.

Ahead of the potential disaster hardware stores are selling out of batteries, flashlights, rock salt and other storm necessities.

Emergency operations centers are now working around the clock in the strike zone, making sure plans and equipment are in place and warning residents not to take any chances.

The most severe conditions are expected later today, but already schools and businesses are closed across New England and more than a thousand flights in and out of the region have been canceled ahead of the storm.