Will Punxsutawney Phil See His Shadow On Ground Hog Day?

The National Weather Service (NOAA) has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Providence, Rhode Island area for up to 14 inches of snow beginning Tuesday, February 1st, until 1:00am Thursday, February 3rd, 2011. It's probably safe to say Punxsutawney Phil the groundhog will not be seeing his shadow on Groundhog Day in 2011, which as legend goes, spring should come early this year.

Will Punxsutawney Phil See His Shadow on Groundhog Day?

Meanwhile in the northeast – from the groundhog's home in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, to our local hometown of Providence, Rhode Island – some very nasty weather is expected. According to Weather Underground, the Midwest snowstorm of historic proportions is predicted to dump just about every type of wintery weather precipitation on us for almost 48 hours. Snow, sleet, ice pellets, freezing rain, and finally rain, will no doubt test the patience of winter-weary Rhode Islanders. The weather forecast looks pretty bad for Punxsutawney Phil in PA as well, and if it's as bad as they're predicting, would they dare to cancel Groundhog Day this year?

2000-Mile Wide Storm from Texas to the Northeast

CNN News reports, "As much of its strength, the system's immense size sets it apart. As of Monday evening, the National Weather Service had posted winter storm warnings, watches or advisories in at least 29 states in a 2,000-mile space stretching from the Southwest to the Northeast." Rhode Island is just one small part of this massive snowstorm.

Craig Fugate, administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, told CNN News, "A storm of this size and scope needs to be taken seriously."

Rhode Island Weather Forecast for Feb 1st and Groundhog Day 2011

• NOAA Winter Storm Warning Statement as of 3:47 AM EST on February 01, 2011. The National Weather Service in Taunton has issued a Winter Storm Warning for heavy snow with some sleet and freezing rain which is in effect until 1:00 am EST Thursday. The Winter Weather Advisory is no longer in effect.
• For up-to-date Providence, Rhode Island weather forecasts, turn to Weather Underground.com.

Sources: National Weather Service (NOAA); Weather Underground; CNN.com; WPRI.com

Continue reading on Examiner.com: Groundhog Day snowstorm Northeast forecast: Midwest blizzard hits New England - Providence Headlines | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/headlines-in-providence/groundhog-day-snowstorm-northeast-forecast-midwest-blizzard-hits-new-england#ixzz1CimaDspU

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