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.

Like Gwinnett County News on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter and Instagram

About the Author

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

Follow Amanda C. Coyne on facebookFollow Amanda C. Coyne on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

Truist Park will host the Home Run Derby on Monday and the All-Star Game on Tuesday.

Credit: Courtesy photo/Turf Tanks

What to know if you’re headed to Truist Park for All-Star Game events

A guide to weather, transportation and ballpark security.

1h ago

2 dead in domestic-related incident in Gwinnett, police say

Police find man and woman dead in home near Stone Mountain.

Masked gunman prompted lockdown at Georgia detention center, officials say

Several people were taken into custody Sunday after a masked gunman allegedly fired shots toward the recreation yard at a southeast Georgia regional youth detention center.

37m ago

The Latest

The GBI is investigating after a masked gunman shot toward the recreation yard at the Claxton Regional Youth Detention Center on Sunday morning, officials said.

Credit: AJC

Masked gunman prompted lockdown at Georgia detention center, officials say

37m ago

What to know if you’re headed to Truist Park for All-Star Game events

1h ago

2 dead in domestic-related incident in Gwinnett, police say

Featured

U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff waves to a crowd of supporters during his "Rally For Our Republic" event on Saturday, July 12, 2025, inside the Kehoe Iron Works building at Trustees Garden in Savannah. During his speech, Ossoff said, "What’s happening to our country right now should chill us to the bone." (Sarah Peacock for the AJC)

Credit: Sarah Peacock for the AJC

Ossoff attempts to tap into angst over Trump, ‘Big, Beautiful’ law at rally

U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff attacks President Trump and the Republican agenda, particularly the recently passed tax and spending bill, in a reelection campaign rally in Savannah

Stars come out to play at MLB Celebrity Softball Game at Truist Park

Hall of Famer CC Sabathia was named MVP in leading the American League over the National League in a game that also featured Druski, Terrell Owens, Jordan Chiles and many more

Chuck E. Cheese opens arcades for adults, including one in Buford

Unlike the beer-and-food playgrounds for grown-ups like Dave & Buster's, Chuck’s Arcade is all about the games, and its Georgia location is in the Mall of Georgia in Buford