A number of Gedolim said it: Rav Shach, Rab Berenbaum, Reb Elchonon Wasserman, Rav Avigdor Miller. Reb Aharon clearly implied it in one of his shmussen. Chofets Chaim warned about it coming.
Also, it would not hurt you to learn parshios Bechukosai and Ki Savo and know what was going on in Europe.