Storm Riley latest: 'Bomb cyclone' to hit northeast US bringing gale-force winds, severe floods and heavy snow

The storm could hit this weekend, bring heavy snows, dangerous winds, massive floods, and rains

Residents in Boston shoveling their vehicles out after being hit by a previous 'bomb cyclone' (Getty)

A potential bomb cyclone is about to hit the northeast United States, bringing with it forecasted heavy rains and snow, ripping waves, and power outages.

Coastal flooding, damaging wind gusts, power cuts, and flight delays are expected once the nor’easter slides up close to the New England coast Friday and Saturday.

“Please take this storm seriously,” the National Weather Service in Boston said. “For those living along the coast, this is a LIFE & DEATH situation.”

The worst of Storm Riley will hit in southern Maine and Massachusetts, according to AccuWeather meteorologist Brett Anderson.

In some areas, hurricane-force winds may be expected, with gusts as fast as 75 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

“There will be the potential for severe damage to homes and other structures close to the water from the combination of high water and severe wave action,” Tom Niziol, a winter weather expert with the Weather Channel said

State politicians are warning constituents to take the storm seriously, with Massachusetts Gov Charlie Baker announcing that he was mobilising 200 National Guard members to help with the storm’s fallout, according to the Associated Press.

“We’re expecting to see more severe flooding issues here than we did in the 4 January storm,” Mr Baker told the news service, referencing a nor’easter that hit the eastern coast of the US earlier this year with heavy snow and rain.

Forecasts show that winds could leave planes grounded in many parts of the United States.

That includes the potential for delays or cancellations in airports between Chicago and Boston. Airlines have waived change fees for passengers who can change their travel plans to avoid the winter storm.

To make matters worse, the storm could go through a dangerous and explosive phase, which is referred to as bombogenesis. during that process, atmospheric pressure drops rapidly in a 24 period time, creating a massive wind field.

The storm will be the most powerful to hit the eastern US since January.