Dangerously high temperatures are expected this week, with daytime highs likely reaching the triple digits — particularly on Wednesday, which is forecast to be the hottest day of the week. Heat index values will also climb into the triple digits, significantly increasing the risk of heat-related illness. Residents are urged to limit strenuous outdoor activity to the early morning or evening hours and to remain well-hydrated throughout the day. While conditions will generally remain hot and dry, isolated afternoon showers and thunderstorms cannot be ruled out. These storms may produce brief periods of heavy rain and occasional lightning, especially during the late afternoon and evening hours. As always, remember: even if skies are clear in your immediate area, if you hear thunder, it is safest to seek shelter indoors.
Two felony arrests in Walker County on Saturday. 45-year-old Jesse Clayton Keown was booked on charges of exploitation/intimidation of an elderly person and battery. 43-year-old Jeremy Michael Hines, a fugitive was arrested after being stopped for a traffic violation.
A Dalton woman is dead following a two-vehicle crash early Friday morning on Interstate 75. Authorities say 25-year-old Jocelyn Gutierrez was killed when her Toyota Tacoma overturned and struck a guardrail near Dalton. The Georgia State Patrol reports the crash happened around 3 a.m. in the northbound lanes of I-75. A 73-year-old man from Kansas City was driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee and was changing lanes when Gutierrez, also northbound in the center lane, tried to do the same. Troopers say she overcorrected, causing her truck to spin out, flip, and hit the median guardrail on its roof. The Jeep then ended up partially on top of the overturned vehicle. Gutierrez died at the scene. The crash remains under investigation.
Ford is recalling over 300,000 SUVs due to a seat switch defect that could cause second-row seats to move unexpectedly while driving. The recall affects certain 2020 to 2025 Ford Explorers and Lincoln Aviators. Ford says the trim around the seat switch may have been installed incorrectly, creating a safety risk. Nearly 100 reports have been filed, but no injuries or accidents have been reported. Owners will be notified this month and can get a free inspection and repair at dealerships. More details are available on the NHTSA website.