SouthCoast Families Can Relax — Halloween Is Still On

Could Halloween be canceled this year on the SouthCoast?

As Hurricane Melissa churns through the Atlantic, local parents have been nervously watching the radar and wondering if this powerhouse storm will put a damper on Halloween night.

According to WPRI 12 News meteorologist T.J. Del Santo, there’s no need to panic – or cancel trick-or-treating plans.

A Historic Storm, But Not for Us

“Hurricane Melissa is one of the strongest storms ever recorded in the Atlantic,” Del Santo said. “With winds topping 180 miles per hour and widespread damage in Jamaica, it’s definitely a storm to respect, but the good news is, we’re not expecting any direct impact here on the SouthCoast.”

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Instead, Melissa will continue tracking across the Bahamas before possibly threatening Bermuda later this week.

“Some of that energy could push larger waves toward our shoreline, and a bit of Melissa’s moisture might get wrapped into another system over the Northeast,” Del Santo said, "Which could bring some rain Thursday into early Friday morning.”

When the Rain Ends

For anyone worried about soggy costumes and candy bags, Del Santo offered reassurance. “The rain will probably be gone by 8 a.m. Friday. After that, we’re looking at windy but dry conditions," he said. "It’ll be in the 50s for most trick-or-treaters – honestly, a pretty comfortable Halloween night.”

His only advice? “Make sure you secure those outdoor decorations. It’s going to be breezy, but otherwise it’s shaping up nicely," Del Santo said.

A Halloween Forecast to Celebrate

Del Santo admitted even he was initially concerned. “For a while, it was looking like rain Friday night,” he said. “I was hesitant to even say it on TV. But now, thankfully, it’s just looking windy and mild. Families can breathe easy. Halloween is on.”

So go ahead and pick out that costume, light up the jack-o’-lanterns, and get the candy ready. Our hearts, however, go out to the people of Jamaica who are dealing with the devastating effects of this historic storm.