Holtsville, NY - Amid some boos from the crowd of nearly 500 Brookhaven residents, Suffolk County's most famous weatherman awoke from his slumber this morning to predict six more weeks of winter rather than an early spring.
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.
"While Hal's prognostication might not have been what many of us hoped for," said Daniel P. Losquadro, Superintendent of Highways, "the Brookhaven Highway Department is prepared to face whatever weather Mother Nature throws at us over the next six weeks."
"I want to thank everyone who took the time to come out early this morning, including Supervisor Romaine, Councilman Loguercio and Councilman Foley, to take part in this fun, annual tradition," Losquadro continued.
Holtsville Hal is just one of the more than 100 animals residing at the Holtsville Ecology Site's Animal Preserve, which is open all year-round. For more information, visit www.brookhavenny.gov or call 631-758-9664.
Daniel P. Losquadro - Highway Superintendent
1140 Old Town Road
Coram, NY 11727
Phone 631-451-9200
Fax 631-732-2584