There’s trouble brewing in the forecast for several portions of the United States as Halloween approaches.

Parties, parades and trick-or-treat activities could be disrupted by storms in portions of the East and the Northwest. A stormy system is set to bring drenching rain and severe thunderstorms to parts of the South Central states on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the combination of hurricane Melissa tracking offshore, a developing nor’easter, and a blast of cold air arriving, could create hazardous conditions from parts of the Southeast states early this week, spreading to much of the Northeast during the middle and latter part of this week. Rain will expand from Arkansas to Florida, northward into Ohio, Maryland, Delaware and the Carolinas between Monday and Wednesday.

While the stormy pattern emerges in the Southeast during the first part of this week, a long train of storms will also continue to impact coastal areas of the Northwest with rounds of rain and wind.

Halloween storms dip into California, bringing early snow

The storms are forecast to arrive and push inland every one to two days and will occassionaly dip into part of Northern California, according to AccuWeather forecasters. Impacts will mainly be felt along the coast.

Conditions will be unusual for October, the stormy pattern is more typical of late November and early December. While winter doesn’t officially begin until December 21, some snow is expected in the higher elevations of the Cascades.

“Farther south, locally gusty winds associated with a Santa Ana could make for some difficulties for trick-or-treaters in parts of Southern California from mid- to late week,” AccuWeather warns. Forcecasters have advised residents to use “extra caution” around open flames such as candles and bonfires.

High winds could cause power outages

California is already experiencing strong winds. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a wind advisory for Santa Barbara County Southwestern Coast and Santa Ynez Mountains Western Range.

The advisory will remain in place until 6am PDT Monday as northwest to north winds between 20 to 30mph with gusts up to 50mph are expected.

“Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result,” the NWS warns.”Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.”

The agency added: “While there will be a brief lull in the winds this morning, winds will increase again this afternoon and evening. The winds are expected to be stronger this evening and into Monday morning.”

Increased drowning risk warning 

The rough conditions will also create potentially life-threatening conditions along the coast. A high surf advisory has been issued for San Luis Obispo County Beaches and Santa Barbara County Central Coast Beaches until 3am PDT Monday.

Large breaking waves between eight to 11 feet are expected while dangerous rip currents will accompany the high surf.

“There is an increased risk for ocean drowning. Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Large breaking waves can cause injury, wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats near shore,” the NWS warns.

The agency advised: “Remain out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions, or stay near occupied lifeguard towers. Rock jetties can be deadly in such conditions, stay off the rocks.”