Hurricane-fueled storms threaten parts of US as torrential downpours sweep in overnight

The remnants of Hurricane Vance are set to bring flooding rain and potentially hazardous conditions to millions through the weekend. A widespread Flood Watch has been issued across multiple states as several inches of rain, mudslides and life-threatening flash floods will be possible between Thursday night and Saturday, when many children will be outdoors for Halloween . The National Weather Service (NWS) warned that the western half of Texas , New Mexico and Arizona will be in the path of the storm heading into the weekend.

AccuWeather expert meteorologist Tyler Roys said in a statement: 'Families across Texas getting ready for Halloween should pay close attention to the weather, especially if they’re traveling or heading to outdoor events Thursday or Friday.' Roys added that Texas will be the first state hit before the storm moves west on Friday and Saturday. Even after the rain moves out of Texas, flooded roads are expected to make travel difficult for those celebrating Halloween.

The storm has been fueled by moisture moving north from the remains of Hurricane Vance, the slow-moving tropical cyclone spiraling through the Pacific for several days. AccuWeather's worst-case scenario predicted that isolated parts of Texas could see as much as 12 inches of rain between Thursday night and Friday night. The worst of the storm is expected to move into Arizona on Friday, including major impacts in Phoenix, Flagstaff and Tucson.

Hurricane Vance in the Pacific Ocean Meteorologists predict flash floods and heavy downpours which may disrupt Halloween celebrations in the US Southwest The slow-moving system will deliver heavy rain and thunderstorms capable of producing one to three inches of rain in many parts of Texas and New Mexico overnight, with isolated areas potentially seeing four to six inches or more. This may cause flash flooding of creeks, streams, low-water crossings, roads and poor-drainage areas in urban communities. 'There is a potential for life threatening flooding,' NWS wrote in their Flood Watch alert.

Officials added that drivers will be particularly at risk, especially in areas where the rains begin to fill roadways, causing cars to stall and trapping commuters. 'Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles,' NWS added. The greatest impacts are expected to come in West and Central Texas and portions of southeast New Mexico. The Midland-Odessa area, Lubbock, the South Plains, Big Spring, Fort Stockton, Alpine, Del Rio, Eagle Pass and surrounding counties are all in the storm's path.

In New Mexico, Hobbs, Carlsbad and the Guadalupe Mountains are also in the flood risk zone. More flooding is expected in New Mexico and Arizona on Friday and Saturday Arizona Flood Watches in the Phoenix, Flagstaff and Tucson areas have been issued for Saturday night into Sunday. More widespread and less destructive rain is expected to fall across the South, Southwest and Midwest between Friday and Halloween. This includes showers and thunderstorms across the rest of Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Colorado, Utah and Nevada.

AccuWeather senior meteorologist Alex Sosnowski wrote in a statement : 'Rain may wash out some outdoor activities Friday and Friday night from southern Texas into western and central Kansas. Heavy rainfall from Thursday through Halloween could also lead to flash flooding.'