The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday advised Filipinos in northeastern United States to prepare and be vigilant as a strong snowstorm "is expected to bring hurricane-force winter winds" and "6 to 12 inches of snow" in at least 8 states.

"Our kababayans residing in or visiting the Northeastern US are advised to observe the necessary precautions, avoid non-essential travel, and have emergency contact numbers in preparation for this extreme weather situation," Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said in a statement.

About 340,000 Filipinos living in the states of Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut may be affected by the "bombogenesis," the DFA said.

• 'Bombogenesis' takes aim at U.S. Northeast as snow sweeps South

"Bombogenesis," also known as a "bomb cyclone," occurs when a storm's barometric pressure drops by 24 millibars in 24 hours, greatly strengthening the winter storm.

"Filipinos in the affected areas are advised to closely monitor weather reports and to heed instructions of local authorities," Cayetano said.

Philippine Consul General in New York Maria Theresa Dizon-De Vega said volunteers under the Consulate General's Warden System have been alerted to monitor weather conditions and to report any emergencies to the mission.