Freeze warnings hit the Upper Midwest and Plains as a strong cold front sweeps east

Fall just got a bite. A strong cold front is moving east across the country and the first widespread freeze of the season is in the forecast for part of the nation's midsection.

Where the freeze is expected

The National Weather Service posted freeze warnings for parts of Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, Nebraska and Wyoming. The warnings last until about 9 a.m. Saturday Central time. Forecasters expect lows to fall into the upper 20s and low 30s in the hardest hit areas.

Storms along the front

Farther east the front is sparking showers and gusty winds. The weather service has also warned of strong thunderstorms across parts of the Mid-Atlantic and the Northeast as the boundary pushes through. Behind it colder air will settle in and temperatures will drop well below recent readings.

How to prepare

A freeze can end the growing season for tender plants. Gardeners are urged to harvest what they can and cover the rest with sheets or frost cloth. Bring potted plants indoors and drain or shut off outdoor hoses so the pipes do not crack.

Pets and livestock need shelter and unfrozen water. Drivers should watch for slick spots on bridges early Saturday and give themselves extra time. Forecasters say the chill should ease over the weekend in many places but another front could follow next week.