Intense end-of-week storm to create travel nightmares for New Yorkers just before Christmas

NEW YORK (PIX11) -- A powerful storm system takes aim toward the tri-state region. Unfortunately, the timing cannot be any worse as it comes right before Christmas, when many are expected to travel. 

Numerous weather-related advisories have been issued for the strong winds, heavy rain and significant coastal flooding that this storm can create. Behind the storm, a wickedly cold airmass will cause temperatures to crash, and we will see frigid wind chills that will last through the holiday weekend. 

The rain will approach the region as early as the midday hours on Thursday. Through the afternoon, the rain will become heavier, with downpours possibly late in the evening and into the overnight. As much as one to three inches of rain could fall before the worst of the rain tapers off on Friday morning. Flood Watches have been issued for areas to the north and west of the city where the rain has the best chance of exceeding 2 inches, 

Along with the rain, strong winds will be a concern, specifically from the city and points north and east where Wind Advisories have been issued. The storm will intensify as it heads into New England, and the gusts could approach 55 mph by late Thursday night. Power outages will be a possibility as a result of the intense winds.