Heavy snow, ice and brutal cold are expected to make this winter storm a potentially life-threatening weather event, stretching across two-thirds of the U.S.

A massive winter storm named fern is set to sweep across much of the United States, bringing snow, ice and extreme cold. Over 230 million people could be affected, with major travel and power disruptions expected.

A fierce cold snap is in the forecast for the central and eastern U.S. starting around Nov. 8, forecasters warned, with record-breaking cold possible. The outbreak will bring the most significant temperature plunge since spring and affect more than 100 ...