Bulgarians should avoid travel along the U.S. East Coast unless it is truly necessary, the foreign ministry said in a notice on its website, warning of a strong storm and worsening weather heading for the region. The governors of New York and New Jersey have already declared a state of emergency in the areas expected to be hit hardest.

The storm will hit the coast from Maine to Washington, D.C. The latest forecasts say New York City will take the brunt of it, with conditions also turning much worse in New Jersey, eastern Long Island and southeastern Massachusetts, including Cape Cod and Nantucket.

Forecasters expect heavy rain, flooding, strong wind gusts and dangerous sea currents. The National Weather Service says gusts could reach 55 mph, or about 89 km/h, in some areas, whipping up high waves and coastal flooding. Power cuts and major transport disruption are possible.

The Federal Aviation Administration has warned of possible air traffic disruption at the three main airports serving New York. American Airlines, JetBlue and United Airlines are telling passengers to check their flights and think about putting off travel to the northeastern states between Friday and Sunday. Rail operator Amtrak has also warned of possible service problems in the region.

The storm coincides with the final days of the UN General Assembly's General Debate in New York, which could add to the travel and transport chaos in the city. Local officials are urging people to take the warnings seriously and get ready.

Bulgarian citizens who need consular or emergency help can contact the Bulgarian consulate general in New York on +1 212 935 4646, or, outside office hours, the emergency duty line on +1 (202) 387 0174, email [email protected]. The foreign ministry's Situation Centre also runs round-the-clock lines on +359 2 948 24 04, +359 2 971 38 56 and +359 893 339 616, email [email protected].

Meanwhile, people on Hawaii's Big Island are bracing for flooding that could turn deadly, as Tropical Storm Nolo bears down on the islands, media report. Another Pacific storm, Polo, is heading toward Mexico's Baja California peninsula.