Storm Henri has been upgraded to a hurricane and is now forecast to make landfall on the US east coast on Sunday, US meteorologists said.
"Although some weakening is expected prior to landfall on Sunday, Henri is forecast to be at or near hurricane strength when it reaches the coasts of Long Island and southern New England," the US National Hurricane Center said.
Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 120km/h with higher gusts, the centre added.
Officials in the New England region, which includes Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont, warned people to get ready.
"All residents are advised to begin storm preparations today, and to pay close attention to local weather," said the office of Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker.
His state, which will close parks and beaches from today to Monday, was bracing for the high winds to knock out electricity for up to 300,000 locals.
The storm is now likely to be the first hurricane to make landfall in New England in 30 years.
Hurricane Bob was the last to directly hit New England back in 1991.
It's been almost a decade since such severe weather was expected in part of the region.
"The last time we had hurricane watches issued for the area was for Hurricane Irene back in late August of 2011," tweeted the National Weather Service in New York City.
