Georgia
Rescue crews save injured hiker amid sudden snowfall on Georgia’s Appalachian Trail
Rescue crews responded to an injured hiker who was found near the shelter at Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail.
The hiker, who had begun his journey on Sunday and had to spend the night on the trail, became stranded after sustaining an injury and was unable to safely exit the woods without assistance.
Located within the Chattahoochee National Forest, Springer Mountain marks the beginning of the approximately 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail, stretching from Georgia to Maine. Although the area attracts many day hikers and backpackers, its rugged and remote terrain poses significant challenges for emergency responders, who often must hike long distances over steep ground to reach those in need.
Rescuers successfully reached the injured hiker and assisted him safely out of the area.
Dramatic shifts in weather conditions added to the difficulty of the rescue. When the hiker set out, temperatures were around 66°F, but by the time crews reached him, conditions had plummeted to 26°F with snow falling and a light layer blanketing the ground, complicating efforts for both the hiker and the rescuers.
Officials remind the public that conditions in the North Georgia mountains can change rapidly, especially during this time of year. Those planning to hike the Appalachian Trail or other backcountry areas are advised to:
• Check the forecast before heading out
• Carry appropriate cold weather gear and emergency supplies
• Let someone know your route and expected return time
• Be prepared for rapidly changing mountain weather
Authorities commended all personnel involved in the successful rescue for their dedication and hard work.
As we approach the nation’s 250th birthday, the weather looks to cooperate for the most part. However, there is one thing that will be certain, it will be hot.
For most of the day, skies look to be partly cloudy with a small chance to see some pop-up showers or storms. If they are to appear, they will likely be short lived. The chance for rain will also dwindle as the sun goes down.
The big story will be the heat.
Butts, Jasper, Putnam, and Hancock counties are under a Heat Advisory until July 4th at 8 PM.
This means that heat index values could reach 105 degrees or above.
Even if you’re not included in a Heat Advisory, it will be hot.
FEELS LIKE TEMPERATURE FORECAST 10 AM
The heat index values, or the feels like temperatures, around 10 AM are forecasted to already be in the low 90’s.
FEELS LIKE TEMPERATURE FORECAST 4 PM
By the time we make it to the peak heating of the day, the feels like temperatures are forecasted to be in the low 100’s.
FEELS LIKE TEMPERATURE FORECAST 9 PM
When it’s time to shoot off fireworks, it’s forecasted to still feel like the low 90’s to the upper 80’s.
HEAT RISK FOR MIDDLE GEORGIA
Most of Middle Georgia is under a major risk for heat risks on Saturday. This means that you should take plenty of breaks and drink plenty of water. Also make sure to listen to your body.
If you plan on traveling up to Atlanta, they will be an even higher risk, an extreme risk.
Overall, it will be a very hot day with a small chance to see some rain and storms.
AUGUSTA, Ga. – The Georgia Department of Driver Services urges residents to add an emergency contact to their driver’s license record, saying the update takes two minutes and costs nothing.
The agency said the information becomes immediately accessible to police and medical teams through their systems—a critical advantage if a driver is unconscious, or if their phone is locked or broken following a crash.
No new physical license is required, officials said. Drivers can complete the update online through the DDS website at no charge. Visit the website here for more details.
Officials said the update is especially important for people with medical conditions or memory loss who may not be able to communicate during an emergency.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — Officials in Georgia launched a new program that will allow survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, human trafficking, stalking and other similar crimes to shield their addresses on public records.
Georgia’s Safe at Home Program will give qualified residents a substitute address for use on most state and local public records, a spokesperson from the Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger’s Office reported.
The goal of the program is to prevent abusers from locating survivors through public information, the press release said.
“Every Georgian deserves to feel safe in their own home,” Raffensperger said. “For far too many survivors, something as simple as a home address can become a tool for those who seek to harm them.”
The program will also provide mail forwarding and protected voter registration.
“This program is about more than protecting an address. It’s about protecting people,” Raffensperger said. “Survivors should be able to build a new life without constantly worrying that the person who harmed them can find them through a public record.”
The Safe at Home Program was established by Senate Bill 324, which passed the Georgia General Assembly in 2024, and officially started Wednesday.
Advocates called the bill a historic milestone for survivors across the Peach State.
“This program recognizes that every survivor deserves the opportunity to rebuild their lives without fear of being found by the person who harmed them,” said Karimah Dillard, Director of Policy for Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence. “The Address Confidentiality Program is a lifesaving investment in survivor safety, dignity, and independence.”
To learn more about the program, click or tap here.
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