NASHVILLE (AP) - The first widespread freeze of autumn is expected in low-lying areas of Middle Tennessee

The National Weather Service issued a freeze warning for all of the region from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. CDT Friday. A freeze watch has been issued for most of West Tennessee, except for counties next to the Mississippi River. The watch is from 1 a.m. to 9 a.m. CDT Friday.

Forecasters said clearing skies Thursday and calm winds later will encourage the formation of frost early Friday as temperatures dip into the lower 30s in low-lying rural areas. Fragile ornamental plants and crops will likely be damaged or killed by the cold.

The outlook for early Saturday is even a bit colder.