Major winter storm that slammed into the central US with ice and blizzards is set to move toward the East Coast: Heavy rain and flooding expected ahead of New Year’s Eve

A powerful winter storm is barreling towards the East Coast, bringing heavy rain and potential flooding ahead of New Year's Eve festivities.

The powerful storm, which wreaked havoc across the central US with its icy grip and snow drifts, is now heading towards New York and is expected to make landfall on Wednesday afternoon.

The busy Interstate 95 corridor, which stretches from Washington to Connecticut, is expected to bear the brunt of the storm's wrath, with flash flooding threatening the area.

Forecasters say the heaviest rain is expected to hit Wednesday evening and early Thursday, with the risk of thunderstorms and possible flooding posing a serious threat.

The system could drop up to two inches of rain on the already saturated northeast coast.

The busy Interstate 95 corridor, which stretches from Washington to Connecticut, is expected to bear the brunt of the storm's wrath, with flash flooding threatening the area.

A powerful winter storm is barreling towards the east coast, bringing heavy rain and potential flooding ahead of New Year's Eve celebrations

Although the heaviest rain is expected to end Thursday night, the slow-moving system could bring showers late Friday and Saturday morning, potentially causing travel headaches for those heading to Boston, New York and Washington for New Year's celebrations.

The National Weather Service in New York warned of river flooding in northeastern New Jersey and urban flooding and poor drainage from Philadelphia to New York City.

However, New Year's Eve is not expected to be an outbreak as a weak ridge forms in the northeast, bringing dry conditions.

FOX Weather Meteorologist Stephen Morgan advised not to be fooled by the gloomy conditions ahead of New Year's Eve in New York City as improvements are expected, although inland areas from West Virginia through Pittsburgh to Buffalo may experience a mix of rain and snow while the coast remains clear.

“There will be a corridor from about Connecticut to Jersey, maybe even closer to the Delmarva, where this rain is enhanced by coastal lows,” he said.

“As for widespread rain, we will still see it across much of Pennsylvania into New York. However, this zone has been highlighted due to the potential for flooding or heavy rainfall.”

There is also the possibility of a few showers late Friday, Morgan added. Thursday is expected to be one of the busiest travel days, with AAA expecting an increase in activity on the roads.

'Maybe you're travelling. Maybe you'll go home,” he told Fox. “AAA expects Thursday to be one of its busiest days as people hit the road and head home on Thursday. Wednesday to Thursday will also be the wettest day of this week. So we'll keep an eye on that along the I-95 corridor.”

“Don't let this fool you – over the next three days – because things will improve in New York City,” he continued. “We're looking at cloudy, dreary conditions followed by rain, but overall we'll see things dry out for the new year.”

An ice storm, part of a multi-state storm in the Northern Plains, hit eastern North Dakota beginning Monday afternoon, December 25, and moved westward, making highways slippery and impacting traffic

Ice-covered streets and sidewalks made walking and driving difficult

The heavy snow that hit Nebraska on Christmas caused extensive damage when several vehicles collided and slid off Interstate 80.

The Plain State is one of the hardest hit by Christmas snowstorms

This comes as a blizzard warning has knocked out six states, with up to eight inches of snow hitting the Plains. Winter storm warnings were issued Tuesday for Alaska, Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming.

“A significant winter storm with heavy snow, blizzards and potentially damaging icing conditions will continue across parts of the north-central U.S. through early Wednesday,” the National Weather Service said in its forecast.

Snow blowing across the Great Plains has forced crews to clear treacherous roads over the past holiday weekend and Christmas.

“Travel could become nearly impossible along the I-80 and I-90 corridors until Tuesday as a storm unleashes heavy snow and howling winds across the plains,” said AccuWeather senior meteorologist Courtney Travis.

Snow on the Great Plains has forced crews to clear treacherous roads over the holiday weekend

On Tuesday, the NWS warned of snowstorms in the north-central US and possible flooding in the southern and central Appalachians.

“The snow is expected to continue through Tuesday evening and gradually taper off from Tuesday night through early Wednesday,” the NWS said.

The NWS has also warned that strong wind gusts up to 55 mph could contribute to snowstorms.

“The combination of heavy snow and whiteout conditions will make travel difficult to impossible,” the agency said.

'The chance is high [70 percent and up] Snowfall totals during the storm will exceed a foot for areas of south-central South Dakota and north-central Nebraska,” it added.