A significant winter storm is advancing towards New York and the US East Coast, leading to travel restrictions and emergency declarations. The National Weather Service cautions of perilous travel conditions, with the storm expected to affect approximately 54 million people. Initially, rain will fall in some regions before temperatures drop and snow begins. Snowfall could reach up to 2 inches (5 centimeters) per hour in certain areas, peaking on Sunday night and diminishing by midday Monday. Around 3,500 flights have been canceled as a safety measure.