Heavy snow is expected to blanket large portions of the Eastern U.S. while much of the country will endure dangerously cold temperatures in the coming days

The updated forecast on timing and track of the storm calls for the snow to end from southwest to northeast as midnight approaches. “The heaviest precipitation looks to occur between roughly 4 and 9 p.m. during which time snowfall rates could reach or exceed 1 inch per hour,” the National Weather Service said.

A polar vortex is slated to sweep most of the continental US bringing winter storm warnings and a hazardous freeze to millions.

The snow is likely to fall on Sunday from the Appalachians to New England. New York City may see its largest snowfall in years.

Snowfall forecasts have increased for a winter storm expected to blanket New Jersey with widespread areas of 4 to 8 inches of snow. Winter storm warning areas were expanded early Sunday and a state of emergency is in effect. National Weather Service and AccuWeather

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning at 9:39 a.m. on Sunday in effect until 8 p.m. for Somerset County.

A winter storm is expected to reach Massachusetts Sunday afternoon and dump up to 8 in. of snow in most of the state, according to the National Weather Service.