Beau's Poised to Predict Weather

With only a day remaining before his big moment, Patch caught up with groundhog Gen. Beauregard Lee, Georgia's official weather prognosticator, at Yellow River Game Ranch in Lilburn.

Organizers are busy getting his white-columned mansion, Weathering Heights, spruced up for the big day, when hundreds of visitors will turn up to see whether Beau predicts an early spring or six more weeks of winter.

The general himself was pretty relaxed and didn't seem too bothered about the big day. After all, he's been doing this for years, and the National Weather Service has given him two commendations for his accurate predictions. He also has two honorary doctorates: "DWP, Doctor of Weather Prognostication" from the University of Georgia and  "Doctor of Southern Groundology" from Georgia State University, according to the Yellow River Game Ranch.

As you know, if Beau sees his shadow when he emerges from his mansion Thursday morning, we're in for at least six more weeks of winter here in the Southeast. If he doesn't, spring is just around the corner.

Patch spoke with the general about the chance of an early spring and his rival, Punxsutawney Phil. Beau's not the talkative sort, at least he wasn't on this sunny afternoon, but have a look at the video and tell us what you think.

Sorry, we weren't able to confirm rumors that Beau has a laptop and a wine cellar in his mansion. Maybe next time.

Beau is expected to make his prediction about 7:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 2, at the Yellow River Game Ranch. Organizers advise that visitors should get there by 7 a.m. The address is 4525 Highway 78 in Lilburn.