LILBURN — Georgia's famed groundhog, Gen. Beauregard Lee, is predicting an early spring.

Early Wednesday morning, the groundhog did not see his shadow as he braved soggy, 44-degree weather at his home at the Yellow River Game Ranch in Lilburn.

Hundreds of spectators erupted in cheers at the groundhog, who made the prediction at 7:41 a.m.

Legend has it that if a groundhog sees his shadow early on Feb. 2, six more weeks of winter can be expected.

His Pennsylvania counterpart, Punxsutawney Phil, also failed to see his shadow — welcome news for winter-weary Americans.