As a rare and early major October snowstorm is unfolding from the Mid-Atlantic States and in the Northeast on Saturday as utilities are preparing for possible power outages.

Large area of precipitation associated with the storm covered much of the northern Mid-Atlantic States and southern New England according to National Weather Service.

The storm could bring rain of up to 10 inches in some region. The accumulation of heavy wet snows on tree leaves may lead to downed trees and power outages.

Winter storm warnings were in effect in parts of Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and states in the New England area.

Freeze warnings were in effect in parts of Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia and Alabama.

Utilities are preparing to combat any outages.

FirstEnergy utilities, which owns 10 energy distribution companies across the Mid-Atlantic states and northeast, said Saturday it had 2,000 personnel across the region ready to deal with potential problems.

Companies in its network include Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), Metropolitan Edison (Met-Ed), West Penn Power, Penelec, Mon Power and Potomac Edison.

The storm is expected to last throughout Saturday night and into Sunday.