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Tricks and treats postponed in Nunavut capital

Mother Nature is providing all the chills and thrills today.

With the announcement from the City of Iqaluit that it was shutting down the morning of Oct. 31, all human Halloween activities and celebrations were officially rescheduled to Nov. 1 in the capital.

Blizzard conditions arrived in Iqaluit Halloween morning and Channing McRae's walk through 80-km/hour gusts demonstrates why all festivities are postponed and city services are suspended.
Casey Lessard/NNSL photo

This turn of events wasn't a big surprise, since residents, as early as Monday morning, were asking what would happen if the winter blizzard moved in as forecasted.

"The city is advising residents that it is currently monitoring weather forecasts that indicate the potential of severe weather for Halloween night," stated a news release the day before Halloween.

"The city will be monitoring weather conditions through-out the day on the 31st, and will be providing updates as to the status of city services, if required."

Right on cue, services were suspended.

But no worries for all the children and young at heart out there. Halloween wasn't cancelled, just postponed for a day – weather permitting.

"In the event of city suspension of services due to severe weather, the city is recommending that Halloween community trick or treating take place Nov. 1," stated a Monday news release from the city.

"Should this deferral take place, municipal enforcement would support the same road closures as previously planned. If city services are suspended, organizations that have planned events for Oct. 31 may also want to consider alternate arrangements, and to advise participants if plans change."

By 10:30 a.m. the city was recommending that everyone stay home and off the roads due to unsafe conditions.

By 11:00 a.m. winds were gusting to 80 km/hour.

"The strongest winds, with gusts of 90 km/hour or more, are expected this afternoon at Kimmirut and during the late afternoon and early evening at Iqaluit. Visibility is expected to be less than 500 m in snow and blowing snow," according to the Weather Network.

Conditions are expected to gradually improve on Wednesday.