Wet, windy weather threatens to put a damper on eastern Canada’s Halloween spirits

Tonight's Halloween festivities are going to be wet and windy for the ghouls and goblins out celebrating in the eastern half of Canada, as a fast-moving weather system spreads rainy, gusty conditions from Ontario to Nova Scotia.

The wet weather already kicked off in Ontario. Bands of heavy rain started their march through northern and southwestern parts of the province overnight and have reached all the way into eastern regions by this morning. This rain is expected to persist throughout the province today and tonight. Southern Ontario could see up to 40 mm of rainfall by Friday morning, and according to Environment Canada rainfall warnings, regions around Lake Huron — specifically across the Bruce Peninsula and east of Georgian Bay — are likely to see up to 60 mm before the rain tapers off tomorrow.

Although there's no expectations of widespread flooding in Ontario from all this rain, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources issued a statement for all of northeastern and southern Ontario, and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority issued their own statement for the GTA, advising of higher-than-normal water levels in the rivers and streams, and the possibility of localized flooding in some low-lying areas.

Bands of rain from this fast-moving weather system should be pushing into southern Quebec this afternoon, and then New Brunswick and Nova Scotia by this evening. Rainfall amounts will be highest through central and northern Quebec, but southern Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia could see up to 30 mm through Friday evening.

All this rain is being pushed out far ahead of the centre of this weather system, so the winds accompanying the rain have started out fairly light. However, as this low-pressure centre follows through along the same path the rain took, it will be bringing brisk winds with gusts of up to 70 km/h for today and tonight, and it will be even windier going into Friday. Gusts of up to 90 km/h are expected along the shores of the Great Lakes starting tomorrow morning, and these blustery conditions will be spreading eastward throughout the day.

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There aren't many Halloween costumes that include an umbrella (although you can justify carrying one with most), but for some some tips for a rainy Halloween night:

• stay inside, play games and watch 'scary' movies

• if going out is a must, it's looking like a fairly mild night, but make sure to dress warmly (especially for the kids), because the combination of rain and wind will make it feel colder

• a clear poncho (usually available at your local department store) works great for going overtop of either a child's or adult's costume to keep it dry during the fun

• if the costume includes parts made of cardboard, try spraying some clear sealant over them (you can get this from any hardware or craft store). Just be careful to spray the sealant in a well-ventilated area and give the costume time to dry before you wear it

• use a plastic bag or container to collect your treats, especially something you can close up to keep from collecting water too

• For parents, maybe use the car as a mobile trick-or-treating station, so the kids have a place to retreat to if the rain gets particularly heavy

Happy Halloween, everyone!

(Photo courtesy: Chris Young/Canadian Press)

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