OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Forecasters say holiday travelers returning home should beware: A winter storm front is menacing most of Nebraska and southern Iowa.

The National Weather Service issued winter storm watches Friday for both states. Expected winds gusting to 35 mph (56 kph) could create whiteout conditions with snowfall varying from 2 to even 8 inches (5 to 20 centimeters) in some spots.

The late fall system is expected to hit western Nebraska on Saturday afternoon, surging east and exiting Iowa by Sunday night.