What Americans should stock up on to prepare for this weekend's massive winter storm

Americans are being urged to prepare as a massive winter storm is expected to stretch more than 2,000 miles across the U.S. this weekend, potentially affecting more than 235 million people in over 40 states.

The storm is forecast to bring heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain beginning Friday and lasting through Monday, raising concerns about widespread power outages, dangerous travel conditions and prolonged disruptions, according to National Weather Service Director Ken Graham.

"Prepare now," Graham told FOX Weather Thursday.