Heavy rain, wind gusts are forecast for Halloween in central Pa., but there are indoor options
Trick-or-treaters decked out as aquatic animals for Halloween will likely have an advantage when it comes to costume authenticity.
Temperatures are expected to be about 60 degrees Thursday evening, though occasional showers with “heavy downpours” and wind gusts upward of 30 mph are possible between 6-8 p.m., AccuWeather meteorologist Bill Deger said.
A majority of Centre County is scheduled to be trick-or-treating during that time, though Halfmoon Township residents will get an extra hour to add to their haul. The township’s festivities start at 5:30 p.m. and end at 8:30 p.m.
The National Weather Service on Wednesday placed most of central Pennsylvania under a slight risk for severe weather Thursday. The strongest weather is predicted to roll in after 9 p.m., Deger said.
“Significant” rain and wind gusts near 50 mph are possible, Deger said. Temperatures will “crash pretty quickly” overnight and drop to about 40 degrees Friday morning, he said.
“Decorations can blow away, so it might be a good idea to move loose Halloween objects inside,” Deger said.
Though other areas like Williamsport, Danville and Jersey Shore have postponed their festivities, all Centre County municipalities were still on track for Halloween trick-or-treating as of Wednesday evening.
Philipsburg, however, extended trick-or-treat into Friday, Hope Fire Company said in a Facebook post. Trick-or-treaters are invited to participate from 6-8 p.m. Thursday and Friday.
For families not wanting to risk wet costumes, local businesses and Penn State have also planned some indoor activities to celebrate Halloween.
Barnes & Noble plans to have a costume contest from 6-7 p.m., while Nittany Valley Sports Centre is set to have Halloween cornhole, soccer, kickball, basketball, dodgeball, bingo and a costume parade and contest from 6-8 p.m.
The Centre County Youth Service Bureau plans to have free arts and crafts, treat bags and hot dogs from 5-7 p.m. at the Penns Valley YMCA.
Penn State’s Palmer Museum is scheduled to have art heist escape room games from 6-7 p.m., zombie adventure tours through its art galleries from 6:30-7:30 p.m. and a costume contest at 8 p.m. There will also be face mask decorating, a photo booth and refreshments throughout the night.
While the Pennsylvania Military Museum canceled its Tanks and Treats event due to the weather, the Boalsburg Fire Company will be handing out candy inside the fire hall at 113 E. Pine St. to those who want to escape the rain.
State College police offered safety tips through Twitter to help trick-or-treaters stay safe, like walking on sidewalks, crossing the street at crosswalks, having an adult accompany children and using a flash light or glow stick to increase visibility.
This story was originally published October 30, 2019 at 11:47 AM.