Residents of Northwest Georgia are being warned of high fire danger conditions this afternoon and into the evening due to strong, sustained winds. The National Weather Service is strongly discouraging all outdoor burning activities. South-southwest winds are expected to blow steadily at 10 to 15 mph, with gusts reaching 20 to 25 mph. These conditions, combined with dry vegetation, significantly increase the risk of wildfires. While isolated thunderstorms are anticipated tonight, severe weather is not currently predicted. There is a 90% chance of precipitation tonight with rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Today, temperatures are expected to reach a high near 77 degrees today under sunny skies, cooling to a low around 53 degrees tonight. The fire danger is expected to subside on Monday, with a 30 percent chance of showers mainly before 7 am and a high near 69 degrees. Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution and refrain from any activities that could potentially ignite a fire until conditions improve.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, March 23, 2025:

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Cherokee County, Alabama District Attorney Summer Summerford announced last week that Pero Markis, a Serbian national, was convicted on March 18, 2025, for Trafficking in Illegal Drugs, Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Promoting Prison Contraband in the second degree, and two counts of Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

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Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen has appointed Lindsey Momon, a resident of Trion, as the new director of the county’s Animal Control facility. Commissioner Andy Allen says that he sought input on the decision, including recommendations from the Summerville Veterinary Clinic and that he chose Momon for her passion for helping animals. Her first tasks include cleaning and repairing the Chattooga County Animal Shelter, as well as planning for its future. Momon aims to involve volunteers in socializing adoptable animals. Commissioner Allen appreciated local veterinary input in selecting her. Momon has a diverse background, including 10 years as a jail officer and various certifications in emergency medical response and law enforcement.

Walker County officials have released the names of the two men tragically killed in the plane crash at the Barwick-LaFayette Airport on Thursday. LaFayette Public Safety Director Stacey Meeks confirmed the identities as 48-year-old Russel Edward Jones of LaFayette and 52-year-old Steven Boyd Powell of Cartersville, using information obtained from their phones.

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A Rome woman, identified as 32-year-old Veronica Ortiz, was arrested and charged with public intoxication on Wednesday of last week following an incident on Hawkins Drive. According to a police report, Summerville Police officers responded to a call concerning a suspicious female pedestrian reportedly walking in the roadway and yelling at passing vehicles. Upon arrival, officers located Ortiz on Hawkins Drive. After multiple verbal commands for her to stop walking away, officers were able to approach Ortiz. She allegedly stated she had no identification. Police then informed her they had received complaints about her behavior in the roadway. Ortiz claimed she was on her way to meet her children. The reporting officer noted a strong odor of alcohol emanating from Ortiz. After repeated requests, she eventually provided her name and date of birth. When asked to move to the patrol vehicle for further questioning, she refused. According to the police report, officers then escorted Ortiz to the front of the patrol vehicle, at which point she resisted. She was subsequently placed under arrest for public intoxication.

This morning, temperatures are in the low to mid-30’s across the area and we will see a warmer today with sunny skies and highs around 70 degrees. Northwest Georgia is under a high fire danger warning this afternoon and evening because of low humidity and strong winds, leading officials to strongly advise against outdoor burning.

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, March 22, 2025:

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A small plane crash near Barwick–LaFayette Airport has resulted in the deaths of two people, shocking the local community. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the incident that occurred around 2:30 p. m. on Thursday when a Cirrus SR22 aircraft crashed just before landing. An investigator from the NTSB is set to arrive at the scene today to gather evidence and examine the wreckage.

Eyewitnesses reported that the plane caught fire upon impact, visible from nearby roads. Both occupants were confirmed dead by local officials.  The names of the victims have not been released as of Friday morning.

The cause of the crash is currently unknown, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). A spokesperson expressed sadness about the event and assured that the agency would conduct a thorough investigation in collaboration with the NTSB. Details about the victims are not yet public, as their names are being withheld until formal identification is completed.

A preliminary report is anticipated within a month, but the entire investigation might take up to two years. The investigation will consider various factors, and NTSB officials have requested anyone with information to come forward.

A chilly start to the day on Friday in Northwest Georgia as we see low temperatures in the 30s under clear skies with light NW winds. A ridge of high pressure will move over the Southeast US, leading to dry weather and warming temperatures. Fire weather is a concern as humidity drops to 15-20% in the afternoon. Highs today will reach the 60s, with light northwest winds.Tonight, lows will range from the upper 30s to low 40s, with warming into the 60s and 70s on Saturday. Fire weather remains a top concern, especially with increased winds. Looking ahead, dry fuels and low humidity may keep fire concerns high through next week. Showers and thunderstorms are possible Sunday night and Monday, with a limited severe risk. Fire weather issues are expected due to low humidity values, especially Tuesday to Friday after modest rainfall. The potential for severe weather on Sunday night exists, but flooding is not expected.