Harsh winter predictions

Obviously, damage from Hurricane Rita remains in the area. Although many trees have been removed from homes and businesses, others remain precariously poised to fall. Although wind is a threat to property owners, ice storms are actually more dangerous. It won't take much ice on a leaning tree to send it crashing into a cozy home and ruin the season.

J.B. Arrington has observed his share of Southeast Texas winters. He said animals on his ranch are showing signs of a harsh winter. Although 80 degree days are still common in December, area residents might heed the animal signs and trim trees before it's too late.


Photos by Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

J.B. Arrington (left) points out the thickness of his horses' coats at his ranch in Orange, Texas on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2005. He said these are indicators of a possible cold winter.


(Above and below) J.B. Arrington said the thickness of coats on his donkeys and cattle are indicators of a possible cold winter at his ranch in Orange.




J.B. Arrington said dirt dobber insects are building their nests inside barns rather than outside to stay warm for the winter.

UPDATE: Although the animals prepared for a hard winter, it only dropped below freezing one time over the winter.