New York is facing a “pretty potent storm” with thunder and lightning also expected when throughout the afternoon and evening.
Other major cities on the US east coast including Philadelphia and Baltimore could also be savaged by wild weather this weekend.
Small tornadoes and waterspouts are also possible due to the amount of moisture in the air.
Accuweather’s Dan Pydynowski warned: “It’s not your classic nor’easter that you would see in the winter but it’s a pretty potent storm given this time of the year.”
It has been compared with the 2006 summer storm which saw nearly a foot of rain fall on the north-east in just a few hours.
Meteorologist Mike Jurewicz said: “Where those were located in 2006 is a reasonably close match to where we think they’ll be this coming week.
“The wild cards are: Will the storms be in different places, how long will they last, will they be in a area that’s been drier lately or in an area that’s had more rain.”
And the US National Weather Service warned Philadelphia could suffer at the hands of the storm well into next week.
They said: “Unsettled weather is expected to begin Saturday and last through at least the middle of next week.
“Widespread moderate to heavy rain and a few thunderstorms are expected to move across the area Saturday from south to north with total amounts ranging from about 2-3″ across the Delmarva, southern NJ, and far SE PA to about 1″ in northern NJ.
“A Flash Flood Watch has been issued for the southern portion of the area highlighted in green where the heaviest rainfall is expected to occur.
“Additionally, breezy conditions will lead to rough waters, high surf, and minor coastal flooding.”