NEW YORK (AP) -- A spring nor'easter packing soaking rain and high winds is churning up the East Coast.

The storm is unleashing a burst of winter and up to a foot of snow in higher elevations inland, as well as sparking concerns of potential power outages and a wild commute Monday in the Northeast.

The National Weather Service says the April snow is unusual, but not unheard of.

Up to 12 inches of snow is expected in the higher elevations of central and western Pennsylvania and New York state, south of Buffalo. In northeastern Ohio, 3 to 7 inches of snow is forecast.

From the New Jersey shore north through New York City and into southern New England up to 4 inches of rain is expected.

Sustained winds of 20-30 mph are predicted throughout the Northeast, and gusts of up to 50 mph were expected off Cape Cod.