So the local weatherman says there’s a big storm coming. We’ve heard that one before. But really, it’s coming - even the Weather Channel says so.

Ever wonder what did we silly humans did before the Weather Channel? 

Well, history is chock full of weather predictors - of the four-legged variety. 

Earlier this week, after the earthquake, we heard stories about erratic behavior from pet cats and dogs. Well not mine but that’s another story. We also heard reports from the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., telling us about the elephants, monkeys, flamingos and the really big cats. Apparently not so much with the Pandas. Perhaps they share DNA with my cats.

But for those who don’t have a pet, nor the time to regularly visit the zoo, you don’t need to look any further than your own backyard. Mother Nature has gifted us Marylanders Fowler Toads.

Yep, we can learn a lot from these little meteorologists. Apparently they croak louder and longer than usual when bad weather is imminent. 

Typically this little guy lives in sandy areas near ditches and temporary rain pools. He buries into the ground during hot, dry periods and comes out at night and to mate in late spring. 

Well tonight this little guy is singing his brains out and is looking for high ground. Maybe we should all heed his warning as the latest forecast as of 6 p.m. Thursday evening has been updated:

The National Weather Service issued a tropical storm watch for Anne Arundel and Prince George’s counties, meaning tropical storm conditions could hit the area within the next 48 hours. 

Forecasters are now predicting that Hurricane Irene's path will hug closer to the coastline and could impact the area Saturday night. The storm could bring hurricane force wind, heavy rain and flooding to the area this weekend, according to The Weather Channel.  

As of 5 p.m., Hurricane Irene was located about 850 miles south of Baltimore.

*Editor's Note: The headline was changed on Aug. 26 to reflect the word "toad" instead of "frog."