Government officials throughout the northeast U.S. are telling residents to “stock up” on supplies and to prepare for extended power outages as a massive winter storm moves into the region.

The National Weather Service says two separate weather systems are combining over New England and says the storm could be “historic.” The storm will start Friday and is not expected to peak until Saturday morning somewhere over Massachusetts.

A bigger problem for the residents will be the winds. Forecasters say it’s very likely that the storm will have sustained winds over 35 m.p.h. with hurricane force winds. In addition to blowing down trees and power lines, the winds will create extremely large snow drifts that could hamper emergency personnel should there be a need.

Boston closed schools on Friday ahead of the storm as two feet of snow is anticipated by forecasters. Airlines have canceled hundreds of flights into the region through the weekend. Boston’s mayor encouraged businesses to let employees stay home to reduce the chances of stranded commuters.

“We are hardy New Englanders, let me tell you, and used to these types of storms,” Thomas Menino said at a press conference. “But I also want to remind everyone to use common sense and stay off the streets of our city. Basically, stay home.”

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg told residents to stock up on supplies and medicine.