Heavy rains could wreck Halloween plans in Texas; 10 states issue alerts

Oct. 31 (UPI) -- Ten states are under weather alerts Wednesday as a storm threatens to bring snow, damaging winds, hail and tornadoes from Texas to Maine.

Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee have issued either flood or snow alerts for Halloween or the days after.

"For those in eastern Texas and western Louisiana, Halloween evening may be accompanied by some spooky weather in the form of strong to severe storms," AccuWeather storm warning meteorologist Joseph Bauer said.

Houston, Texas, is offering indoor trick-or-treating options to keep children safe.

"A dangerous situation for trick-or-treaters is unfolding," AccuWeather senior meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski said.

Late Wednesday and early Thursday, the storm will move into Louisiana and Mississippi.

By Thursday, the storm will hit the Gulf Coast, including many of the same areas hit recently by Hurricane Michael in the Florida Panhandle. Damaging winds and flash floods are expected.

Farther north in the Ohio River Valley, heavy, persistent rains could cause streams and rivers to overflow and flood. Some areas could see up to 6 inches of rain.

"This much rainfall, despite how dry it has been in recent weeks, can lead to flash flooding when it occurs in such a short amount of time," AccuWeather meteorologist Brett Rathbun said.

On Friday, heavy rains are expected from Massachusetts to central Florida.