Pennsylvania’s most famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil emerged around 7:25 a.m. from his burrow and, after seeing his shadow, predicted six more weeks of winter. Meanwhile, New Englanders, on the heals of Blizzard Juno, braced for more snow today while Milwaukee began to unbury itself from its first winter storm that blew in yesterday. The latest storm is the most far-reaching of this winter season, stretching from Nebraska to Maine, according to the National Weather Service. Many states are experiencing accumulations of 10 to 16 inches, including northern Illinois, Indiana and northwest Ohio. Two week ago Boston had 5.5 inches of snow but now has picked up 40.6 inches and counting.
The beloved Punxsutawney Phil, who made his first prediction in 1887, saw his shadow last February too—boosting his accuracy record as the majority of the country continued to experience record cold temperatures and snow events.
AccuWeather finds Phil to have an 80 percent accuracy rate. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), who says Groundhog’s Day originates from an ancient celebration of the midway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, gives little credence to the fury rodent’s prediction abilities. “Only scientific climate records and statistics tell us that winter probably isn’t over,” they say. “Climatologically speaking, the three coldest months of the year are December, January, and February, so winter typically still has a bit to go when the groundhog comes out in search of his shadow on February 2.” [History of Groundhog’s Day]
With six more weeks of winter and more snow in the forecast, potential hazards of accumulated snow left on the tops of trucks, trailers and passenger vehicles in transit remains a concern. State DOTs remind all drivers to clear snow off their vehicles and the tops of trucks and trailers for roadway safety. For companies seeking an effective, fast and safer method to clear snow off the tops of their fleet’s rooftops, visit www.TrucBrush.com
