As Old Man Winter continues to show more teeth in the coming days, a storm could pack a heavy punch of snow and wind in the northeastern United States early next week.

"There is the potential for a major snowstorm, and possible nor'easter, from New York City to New England spanning Tuesday and Tuesday night," according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Henry Margusity.

Unlike most of this winter, the storm will have access to plenty of cold air as far south as the coastal mid-Atlantic region. The storm will follow some of the coldest weather of the winter in the Northeast this weekend.

How quickly the storm strengthens and how close to the coast it tracks will determine the western extent of the snow as well as the strength of the wind and severity of coastal flooding.

Disruptions to travel and daily activities may develop from the mid-Atlantic to New England on Tuesday and Tuesday night.

If the storm strengthens slowly upon reaching the Atlantic coast, then only a light amount of snow and mere blustery conditions may develop in the Northeast on Tuesday.

"Regardless, the storm will be a relatively fast-moving system, so while it can bring a half a foot to a foot of snow to some locations, it is not likely to be a blockbuster," Margusity said.

The storm could bring the greatest snowfall of the season to the upper part of the mid-Atlantic, since there have not been giant snowstorms in that area this year.

Tonight into Friday, 3 to 6 inches are possible.