New York, New York - The first raindrops from the outer edges of Hurricane Henri have reached New York and other states in the north-eastern US as they brace for its arrival later Sunday.

Parts of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island are preparing for the storm, which is expected to strike mid-day Sunday.

Though hurricanes are common at this time of year in the US, they usually strike farther south. The New York Times reported that Henri would be the first hurricane to strike this part of New England in 30 years.

NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio declared a state of emergency in the city, while outgoing Governor Andrew Cuomo issued a series of alerts to residents of his state, urging them to prepare themselves.

"New Yorkers: Take this seriously," he tweeted as he issued a state of emergency. Multiple train lines will shut down out of safety. People on outlying islands have been urged to move inland.

"It's as serious as a heart attack," he added during a press conference. "Our priority now is to protect life and safety."

He said the state was calling out the National Guard, but he also urged people to stock up on supplies so they could be ready in case the power goes out or it becomes impossible to head out and shop.

Even before the hurricane hit, a star-studded concert in New York City meant as a celebration of the end of the coronavirus pandemic had to be cancelled due to a heavy thunderstorm.

US President Joe Biden has promised support to seven states in Henri's path. The storm was upgraded to a hurricane on Saturday.

Along with the heavy rains and winds, the National Hurricane Center warned of potential flooding and swell that could "cause life-threatening surf and rip currents."

It expected the storm to quickly lose speed after hitting land.

CNN reported that about 6 million people live in the area under hurricane warning. Flood warnings had been issued for more than 35 million people.