It used to be that after October 15, you could let your guard down and breathe a sigh of relief that another hurricane season had elapsed. Now for the second time in three years, we are facing late season storms. Instead of Halloweens marred by snow like our northern neighbors, tropical systems are ruining one of the best childhood nights of the year.

Two years ago, Wilma struck the week before Halloween. People were still cleaning up the mess and trying to get power restored on October 31. This year Noel and its wind and rain are threatening to make this a soggy disaster.

Some communities have already cancelled planned outdoor events. Trick or treating, if it does take place, will be mother nature's trick and certainly not a treat in this weather.

One option is to take the activites indoors. The Town Center at Boca Raton mall will be hosting trick or treaters from 6:00 through 7:30. Masks are only allowed on children ten years of age and younger and toy weapons are prohibited. Although it's not the same as going door to door in your neighborhood, at least its one way to salvage a little joy.

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