It’s forecasted to be a wet and windy Halloween in the Halifax area, but the timing of an incoming system could see conditions clear in time for some to still get out trick-or-treating.
A rainfall warning was issued early Thursday morning along the Atlantic-facing coastline, from Yarmouth through Halifax to Ecum Secum.
The warning calls for 30 to 50 millimetres of rain with higher amounts possible and winds gusting to 70 km/h.
“Here in the Halifax area, rain will develop Friday morning, there will be downpours throughout the day, but the worst of the weather tapers off to a lingering chance of a shower late afternoon or early evening, so it could be dry for any Halloween plans on Friday evening,” explained CityNews weather specialist Allister Aalders.
He said the northeastern mainland into Cape Breton will likely see the rain and wind continue into the evening hours.
“Secure outdoor items, including Halloween decorations and garbage bins, to prevent them from being displaced or damaged by strong winds,” reads Environment Canada’s rainfall warning.
Halifax’s water utility is also advising of the risk for some localized flooding, particularly if drainage systems are blocked by debris like fallen leaves.
“To help avoid this, Halifax Water is encouraging residents to check their storm drains/catch basins to ensure they are clear. If you see they are blocked, we ask that customers clear them if they are able, and it is safe to do so,” reads a release from Halifax Water. “Customers with driveway culverts should ensure that nothing is blocking the flow of water.”
Hurricane Melissa’s wind circulation is expected to remain offshore, but recent weather models suggest the storm may track closer to eastern Newfoundland than initially forecast. Environment Canada meteorologist Chris Fogarty said some forecast models are predicting the centre of what will likely be post-Tropical Storm Melissa will track close to or over eastern Newfoundland’s Avalon Peninsula on Saturday.
“So that scenario is also a possibility, which would bring some extra wind there,” the statement says. “We will certainly update the forecasts if that changes.”
In the Caribbean, Melissa left a trail of destruction after lashing Cuba, Haiti and Jamaica.
The storm made landfall Tuesday in Jamaica as a Category 5 hurricane, with winds reaching 298 km/h.
With files from Michael MacDonald, The Canadian Press.
