Coram, NY – Suffolk County’s most famous weatherman did not disappoint. This morning, at 7:25 a.m., before a crowd of several hundred spectators, Holtsville Hal awoke from his slumber and did not see his shadow, predicting an early spring for the Town of Brookhaven.
According to tradition, if a groundhog sees its shadow after emerging from his burrow on Groundhog Day, there will be six more weeks of winter weather; if not, spring should arrive early.
“Thankfully, at the end of a week in which Brookhaven experienced an unexpected eight inches of snow, Hal has given us a sunny outlook for the remainder of the season,” said Daniel P. Losquadro, Superintendent of Highways. “If Hal’s prediction is accurate, hopefully we have seen the last of the snow this year.”
“I want to thank everyone who took the time to come out early this morning, including Councilman LaValle and Councilman Foley, to take part in this fun, annual tradition,” Losquadro continued.
Holtsville Hal is just one of the more than 100 animals who call the Brookhaven Wildlife and Ecology Center Animal Preserve home. The center, which is open all year-round, includes a wildlife preserve, greenhouses, gardens, and jogging and exercise trails. For more information, visit our website or call 631-758-9664.