Hundreds of flights have been canceled at New York’s major airports as a significant winter storm descends on the city and neighboring regions.

At 2:41 p.m. EST on Friday, the National Weather Service issued a winter storm watch valid from Sunday 1 p.m. EST until Monday 7 p.m. EST for Keweenaw, Ontonagon, Houghton, Baraga, Marquette, Alger, Luce,

A powerful winter storm is expected to dump up to 8 inches of snow on New York City and New Jersey -- and potentially more in the Hudson Valley -- starting late Friday afternoon. Post-Christmas travel could be perilous. See the hourly outlook below and get the full forecast here.

Chain controls have been in effect on both Highway 50 and Interstate 80 in the Sierra since Wednesday and remain up as of Friday morning. Drivers were urged to avoid traveling up the mountain for the time being. Travel on 80 was also closed to all semi-trucks and trailers for the time being between Applegate and the Nevada state line.

A state of emergency has been declared throughout New Jersey as a quick, but powerful winter storm is expected to dump 4 to 9 inches of snow and sleet across much of the state. The state of emergency takes effect at 1 p.m. and includes all 21 counties. A commercial vehicle restriction takes effect at 3 p.m.

It wasn’t a white Christmas. But it will surely be a white weekend. An area of low pressure approaching the tri-state Friday is expected to bring accumulating snow by late afternoon into Saturday morning.

An emphasis has been placed on burn scar areas that are more susceptible to flooding, mudslides and debris flows.