A strengthening storm is expected to dump heavy snow and wind to New England before the end of this new year week.

People continuing with their holiday journeys or beginning their New Year vacation might face some problems in the Northeast due to the storm.

Regardless of the type of precipitation, the storm might cause extensive travel disruptions on Thursday and Friday. Road conditions might range from wet on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, to snow-packed in central New Hampshire and northern Maine.

How quickly the storm strengthens and how close it tracks along the coast determines which areas receive all rain, all snow or a combination thereof, according to AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Elliot Abrams.

A distance of less than 50 miles brings conditions ranging from windswept rain in southeastern New England to blowing and drifting snow in central New England.

Areas from Washington, D.C, to Baltimore, Philadelphia and Providence, Rhode Island, expects rain from the storm. A small accumulation of snow with slushy travel is in store for the central Appalachians.

Mostly rain will fall around New York City.

From just north and west of New York City, to Hartford, Connecticut, Boston and Portland, Maine, the storm will bring a combination of rain and wet snow.

By Prakriti Neogi