French Creek Freddie sees his shadow, predicts six more weeks of winter

FRENCH CREEK, W.Va. — The prediction is in and West Virginia's beloved groundhog French Creek Freddie has forecasted six more weeks of winter.

French Creek Freddie saw his shadow on Tuesday morning at the West Virginia State Wildlife Center in Upshur County, meaning six more weeks of winter. Freddie the groundhog has delivered his prediction every year since 1978.

For the first time this year, the big prediction was streamed live via Twitter's Periscope.

In Pennsylvania, Punxsutawney Phil didn't see his shadow, predicting an early spring.

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West Virginia's own weather prognosticator is set to forecast the onset of spring.

French Creek Freddie will celebrate Groundhog Day with his prediction at the West Virginia State Wildlife Center in Upshur County on Tuesday. Freddie the groundhog has delivered his prediction every year since 1978.

Visitors to the center also can listen to songs, enjoy refreshments and compete in a wood chucking contest.

The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. The event also will be shown live on the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources Facebook page.

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For more information, contact the center at 304-924-6211 or visit the Division of Natural Resources' website at www.wvdnr.gov/wildlife/wildlifecenter.shtm .