States of Emergency Declared in Northeast Ahead of 'Historic' Blizzard

States of emergency have been declared throughout the Northeast as the region braces itself for possibly historic snowfall as winter storm Iola makes downfall Monday night and into Tuesday.

The governors of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut all declared states of emergency Monday in preparation for the blizzard-like storm that is expected to cause white-out conditions in several parts of the state, rendering visibility at zero.

All three states have imposed travel restrictions of some sort, with New York City's Mayor Bill de Blasio shutting down the city's subway system beginning at 11 p.m. tonight. New Jersey Transit also announced that it would be shutting down service at 8 p.m. Monday, although the New Jersey Turnpike will remain open.

In Connecticut, a statewide travel ban will be in effect starting at 9 p.m. eastern time.

City officials and weather experts have said that parts of the northeast may see "historic" snowfall as a result of the fast approaching storm, with two to four inches of snow falling per hour, totaling over 30 inches in some places.

"Everything we know so far makes clear you cannot underestimate this storm," New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said during a press conference Monday.

"This is going to be a blizzard. It is a serious blizzard," New York Governor Andrew Cuomo added.

High winds averaging at 40 to 50 miles per hour are expected to accompany rapid snowfall, along with lightning and thunder during some parts of the night.

"Stay home if you can," New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said in a statement, warning residents to only go outside in "an absolute emergency or necessity."