Based on the slushy madness that's sweeping Long Island this week, it's no surprise the result that Holtsville Hal pulled out on Groundhog Day.
As you'd expect, there will be six more weeks of winter because Holtsville's favorite furry pal saw his shadow Wednesday in a ceremony at the Holtsville Ecology Center at 7:25 a.m.
“A prediction of six more weeks of winter is not what we were looking forward to from ‘Holtsville Hal,’” said Supervisor Mark Lesko. “Our hope is that we can get through it without any more major snow storms.”
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Ironically, Punxsutawney Phil, making his 125th outing in Pennsylvania, and Staten Island Chuck, both predicted an early spring. Malverne Mel did not participate outdoors this year because of the wintry conditions in Nassau County, but did see his shadow inside like the others.
For the next 10 days the weather will be off and on, with spots of sun and snow. Shadow or not, it's still cold and winter won't be leaving anytime soon.
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”Hal and I are in disagreement on this one,” said Superintendent John Rouse. “By March 1st, we’ll be planting our gardens and the winter will be past us. I think everyone has had enough of the snow."
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