GLOUCESTER, Mass. (AP) — The seaport city of Gloucester is urging residents to celebrate Halloween early because of the hurricane that’s threatening next week.

Local officials are encouraging trick or treating between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday, instead of Wednesday as tradition holds.

Mayor Carolyn Kirk says children should celebrate the holiday early in good weather without public safety concerns that could come with Hurricane Sandy’s potential arrival.

City officials say there also will be a Halloween party for local children from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Rose Baker Senior Center on Rogers Street.

The holiday precaution comes as city officials say residents could be facing power outages, downed limbs and rainfall by Oct. 31.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.