Baltimore Bill, the Weather-Predicting Crab, Forecasts a Warm Fall

SPARKS, Md., Sept. 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- He emerged from hiding, he walked the plank, and unlike last year, he predicted a warm fall! Riding on the coattails of last year's accurate early winter prediction, Baltimore Bill, the weather-predicting crab, forecasted a nice autumn this morning in front of an eager crowd at Baltimore's Inner Harbor. With a few words of encouragement from the folks at OLD BAY and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and with official Preakness/Triple Crown stakes caller Larry Collmus providing the play-by-play, Bill walked a specially designed crab plank and headed left to the Inner Harbor to continue his OLD BAY "Baycation" with a warm fall.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130924/PH85672 )

"When Bill made his inaugural early winter prediction last year and the first snowflakes appeared in Baltimore on November 13, we knew we were in trouble," said one Baltimore weather personality, who refused to be identified. "The meteorologist community has known about Bill for years, and while I'm thrilled with his warm fall prediction, I'm secretly hoping he's wrong because I'm starting to question my job security."

Ever since Bill was spawned in the lower Chesapeake Bay, he was different from other crabs. When he was hatched, Bill is said to have raised a claw in the water, felt a warm current and headed off to share his special power with the world. Baltimore Bill takes his job very seriously, and in a total claw-biter, he took his time making his prediction this morning.  

Who better to predict how long our warmer weather will last than a Chesapeake blue crab? "I know there's a certain groundhog who considers himself a cold weather expert, but unlike said groundhog, I have a spotless record under my shell and I took even more elements into consideration this year," said Bill, who was interviewed via bay phone from an undisclosed location. "Today, my special claw was drawing me to the left. While my claw has the strongest effect on my prediction, I also consider the air temperature, wind direction and smell of the water."

OLD BAY is encouraging members of the public to weigh-in on Baltimore Bill's prediction by liking OLD BAY on Facebook. Please visit www.facebook.com/oldbay.

About OLD BAY 

For more than 70 years, this distinctive blend of 18 herbs and spices has been a time-honored taste. Just as the recipe hasn't changed, neither has the iconic yellow and blue can. Once only enjoyed by a lucky few along the Chesapeake Bay, OLD BAY® Seasoning has gained fans all across the country. Best known as THE seasoning for shrimp, salmon, crab and other seafood dishes, these days, OLD BAY is used to flavor hamburgers, chicken, pizza, pasta, vegetable dishes and more. OLD BAY Seasoning is also available with 30% less sodium and has been the inspiration for 14 additional offerings. For information, recipes and the OLD BAY online store, visit www.oldbay.com and www.facebook.com/oldbay.

OLD BAY is one of McCormick & Company's (MKC) portfolio brands. As the leading global supplier of innovative flavor solutions, McCormick has built a portfolio of leading flavor brands that enhance people's enjoyment of food all around the world. Every day, no matter where or what you eat, you can enjoy food flavored by McCormick. McCormick Brings Passion to Flavor™.

About the Maryland Department of Natural Resources

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages nearly one-half million acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov. 

Media Contacts:
Kathleen Shaffer
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Laurie Harrsen
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SOURCE McCormick & Company, Inc.