According to Jay Engle, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Upton, New York, the city should expect “widespread” minor to moderate coastal flooding of 1.5-2.5 feet; “major flooding” is forecast for Long Island, as of Saturday morning.

A state of emergency has been declared in New York City, Long Island and Westchester County in New York as a powerful nor’easter tears up the East Coast.

Forecasters say its strength and exact path will determine how severe the impacts are in New York. Coastal communities from the Carolinas to the Mid-Atlantic could face higher tides, strong northeast winds and beach erosion — especially if the storm tracks closer to the shore.

New Yorkers are encouraged to monitor their local forecasts and officials say it is critical to ensure government emergency alerts are enabled on mobile phones.

The NWS predicts varied weather across NYC with sunny days, rain, and thunderstorms, but no severe weather expected.

For farmers and anyone looking to keep their yard and garden looking healthy, this week’s rain is a welcome thing.

CBS News New York's Craig Allen has your First Alert Forecast for October 12 at 5 p.m.

Sneaky storms may creep from the middle and western parts of the US to the East Coast, bringing heaps of snow along with them.