ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Will we see an early spring or six more weeks of winter? A furry friend let us know on Sunday.

Most of the country looks toward Pennsylvania’s Punxsutawney Phil for guidance on Groundhog Day. Georgia has General Beauregard Lee, who has made predictions since 1981.

And Lee’s no slouch, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which recently ranked him as the No. 2 most reliable weather-predicting critter in the country, with an accuracy rate of 80%.

At 7:30 a.m. at Dauset Trails Nature Center, Lee stepped out on the porch of his white groundhog-sized mansion – and when he ventured outside, he saw his shadow, which foretold six more weeks of winter.

If he hadn’t seen his shadow, that would have meant an early spring.

Groundhog Day dates back to the late 19th century but has even older roots in Celtic culture. While ancient people would watch when animals like bears stopped hibernating to predict weather patterns, Pennsylvania Germans observed the groundhog, leading to the celebration we know and love today.

According to legend, winter will continue for six more weeks if the groundhog sees its shadow. But if it doesn’t, spring will come early!

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