DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Several inches of snow are expected in parts of Nebraska and Iowa on Christmas Eve. The National Weather Service says snow will fall this (Thursday) afternoon in eastern Nebraska and western and central Iowa. Up to 6 inches is expected in Lincoln and Omaha as well as neighboring Council Bluffs. Additional snow is expected Friday in parts of northwest Nebraska.

Officials warn drivers that freezing rain will create slippery roads and worsen travel visibility. The weather is a stark contrast to other parts of the country. In the South, spring-like storms mixed with unseasonably warm weather have been linked to at least seven deaths. From Alabama to New York, much of the country had unusually warm temperatures in the 70s on Christmas Eve.