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

Family and friends participated in a processional led by a horse-drawn carriage carrying the remains of Cornelius Taylor from Ebenezer to Atlanta City Hall on Monday, February 3, 2025. Taylor, a homeless man, died during an incident involving city workers clearing a homeless encampment on January 16. (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Family of man crushed at homeless encampment sues city of Atlanta

Family says they’re seeking justice for Cornelius Taylor’s “preventable and unjustified” death and the city’s failure to inspect his tent before heavy machinery moved in.

2h ago

Woman, 60, accused of fatally stabbing woman near Bankhead liquor store

Renee Hudson, 60, was booked into the Fulton County jail Thursday. She faces charges including murder and aggravated assault.

Deaths of 2 teens highlight Georgia’s lightning risk

So far this year, 12 deaths due to lightning strikes have been reported in the U.S.

The Latest

Family and friends participated in a processional led by a horse-drawn carriage carrying the remains of Cornelius Taylor from Ebenezer to Atlanta City Hall on Monday, February 3, 2025. Taylor, a homeless man, died during an incident involving city workers clearing a homeless encampment on January 16. (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Family of man crushed at homeless encampment sues city of Atlanta

2h ago

Woman, 60, accused of fatally stabbing woman near Bankhead liquor store

Deaths of 2 teens highlight Georgia’s lightning risk

Featured

“Our members cannot be bought off,” General President Sean O’Brien said in a social media statement, calling UPS' offers “illegal and haphazard.” (Hyosub Shin/AJC 2023)

Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC

UPS offers unprecedented buyouts for drivers

The Teamsters union, which represents about 340,000 UPS employees, is urging its full-time members to reject the offers.

Longtime south Atlanta flea market set for massive mixed-use makeover

The developer is planning one of the largest projects in Atlanta’s Southside, a more than $500 million project near Greenbriar Mall.

MARTA chief Collie Greenwood retiring early

MARTA CEO and General Manager Collie Greenwood is leaving “because of immigration and personal matters” and has elected early retirement.