Millions of Americans have been warned to prepare now as a massive hurricane-like storm approaches the East Coast.

Meteorologists have revealed that the nor'easter, which is a strong storm that forms off the coast in the Atlantic, has developed a giant eye - similar to other tropical cyclones which turn into hurricanes this time of year.

This well organized storm is expected to slam into the Northeast in just hours, bringing heavy downpours, coastal flooding, tropical storm-force winds and power outages to cities and towns from Virginia to Maine.

The heaviest impacts are predicted to come in the New England area, hitting Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and southern Maine with winds potentially reaching 70 mph and four to eight inches of rain falling in many areas.

AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jon Porter warned in a statement: 'This storm may be remembered for its destructive coastal flooding and severe beach erosion, especially along eastern Long Island and the Massachusetts coast.' 

Coastal flood warnings have already been issued in New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia on Thursday, with the National Weather Service (NWS) saying that over three feet of water from the sea will be pushed on to land in these areas.

The worst of the storm is expected to hit the East Coast by Friday, with power outages predicted to affect millions along the coasts of New Jersey, the entire New York City area, eastern Connecticut, Rhode Island, eastern Massachusetts and southern Maine.

NWS officials in Virginia warned: 'Widespread flooding of vulnerable areas will result in an elevated threat of property damage to homes and businesses near the waterfront and shoreline.'

According to AccuWeather, there will be widespread gusts between 40 and 60 mph between Friday and Sunday, powerful enough to damage property.

However, some wind gusts may reach up to 80 mph, which is the same as a Category 1 hurricane.

The National Weather Service warned that these winds will likely blow down trees and damage power lines, causing widespread outages.

They added that travel could become dangerous, especially for large box trucks, tractor-trailers, RVs, buses and moving vans, which all catch a lot of wind and can be blown over during extreme storms.

This is a breaking story. More details to follow. 

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