The big winter storm the East coast has been bracing for -- arrived with a bang.

Drivers in the Northeast had to slow down to make sure they did not spin-out of control on treacherous roads.

Old man winter is unleashing his fury on places like Boston, Philadelphia, New York City, New Jersey, and Northern Virginia.

Highway crews, however, are fighting back against winter's icy grasp.

"We're ok with this right now," said New Jersey Turnpike Authority's Joe Orlando. "We've got 340 plows out there. We brought 176 contractors in. We're going to get the road as passable as possible, but we're going to try," he continued. "We need people to really pay attention and keep their speeds down."

Even the best arsenal can be ineffective in this dangerous mix of sleet, freezing rain and snow if drivers do not slow down and take their time.

"Stay home man," one truck driver said. "I don't have a choice, but you should stay home if you can."

The winter storm has already led to major traffic jams, overturned cars and jackknifed tractor trailers.

Up to ten inches of snow are expected in some parts of the Northeast. A number of school districts have canceled or delayed classes.