Metro Atlanta
Metro Atlanta

Groundhog Gen. Beauregard Lee sees shadow, predicts winter weather

The first General Beauregard Lee looks at his sign while preparing for Groundhog Day in 1995. Lee, the South's "official weather prognosticator," lived at Yellow River Game Ranch in Gwinnett County, Ga. Upon his death, the ranch replaced him with his “bachelor nephew.
By Amanda C. Coyne
Feb 2, 2018

Sorry, Georgia. The state’s official rodent weatherman has predicted six more weeks of winter weather.

Gen. Beauregard Lee peered out of his home at Dauset Trails Nature Preserve and saw his shadow Friday morning, shortly after sunrise. That means that instead of an early spring, metro Atlanta will have to endure six more harsh weeks of cold.

MORE | Groundhog Day: 3 things to know about Gen. Beauregard Lee

PREVIOUSLY | DNR will relocate groundhog, other wildlife from game ranch

This was Beau’s first year celebrating Groundhog Day at Dauset Trails in Jackson. The Yellow River Game Ranch, where Beau and his predecessors predicted the weather for decades, closed in December. Beau was relocated in January.

Beau only makes his long-range prediction once a year, so stick with Channel 2 Action News meteorologists for your day-to-day forecasts.

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About the Author

Amanda Coyne is a hyperlocal reporter for the AJC, covering Gwinnett County.

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