How Hurricane Sandy Could Impact Halloween

If Hurricane Sandy makes its way up the Eastern coastline, Essex County could see a repeat of last year’s scary trick-or-treating conditions.

The National Weather Service says the state is increasingly likely to feel the impact of Sandy, which slammed eastern Cuba Thursday morning.

A Hazardous Weather Outlook is in effect for the tri-state area, where there is a potential for strong winds, heavy rain and coastal flooding over the weekend and early next week.

Downed trees, branches and powerlines, as well as widespread power outages brought on by an unseasonal snowstorm, all but squashed the Halloween of 2011. Many Jersey towns warned parents against letting children out to collect candy. Schools without power were closed for days and countless events were cancelled.

Patch is keeping an eye on the storm, but there is some good news.

Children may once again rely on a “safe Halloween” thanks to Caldwell Merchants. Many businesses in downtown Caldwell traditionally give out candy to trick-or-treaters on Oct. 31, starting at 2 p.m.

What was your experience of the Halloween of 2011? Do you think the weather will have an impact again this year or do you predict Sandy will head out to sea? Tell us in the comments.