Murray County Public Safety

06/01/2026

05/18/2026

On behalf of Murray County Public Safety, we would like to recognize the outstanding work of the Murray County Rescue Squad during the extended rescue operation in the Cohutta Wilderness area on Saturday.

This incident involved an injured hiker in extremely remote and challenging terrain, including the Rough Ridge Trail, Beech Bottom Trail, and Jacks River Trail area. Access was difficult, conditions were demanding, and the operation required a long, physically demanding response from rescuers on the ground.

Murray County Rescue Squad personnel were the first rescuers to reach the patient and remained heavily involved throughout the operation. The team carried a major portion of the ground rescue effort, working through difficult terrain, limited access, and an extended operational period to help bring the incident to a successful conclusion.

We would also like to thank Georgia DNR Aviation for their assistance with the aerial extraction, which helped safely remove the patient from a very remote location and transfer them to EMS care.

Rescues like this are a reminder of the skill, endurance, and commitment required from trained rescue teams in our region. When emergencies happen in remote terrain, getting to the patient is only the beginning and Murray County Rescue Squad represented our community exceptionally well.

We are proud of their professionalism, determination, and hard work.

Great work, Murray County Rescue Squad.

05/06/2026

A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northern Gilmer, Murray, southeastern Whitfield and northwestern Fannin Counties through 715 PM EDT [wind: 40 MPH, hail: 0.25 IN]

05/06/2026

A tornado watch has been issued for parts of Georgia and South Carolina until 2 AM EDT

05/06/2026

A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southern Catoosa, western Murray, Whitfield and southern Walker Counties through 645 PM EDT [wind: 40 MPH, hail: 0.25 IN]

05/06/2026

⛈️ Severe Weather Update – Wednesday Evening into Thursday Morning

Murray County residents should stay weather-aware this afternoon, tonight, and into early Thursday morning.

According to the latest National Weather Service briefing, multiple rounds of storms are expected across North Georgia. Primary concerns include damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph, heavy rainfall that could lead to flash or urban flooding, isolated hail, and a few tornadoes. A strong tornado cannot be completely ruled out.

A Flash Flood Watch is also in effect through Thursday morning. Repeated storms over the same areas may lead to locally heavy rainfall and quick runoff, especially in low-lying or flood-prone areas.

Please take a few minutes now to prepare:

✅ Have multiple ways to receive weather warnings
✅ Charge phones and weather radios
✅ Know where you will go if a warning is issued
✅ Avoid driving through water-covered roads
✅ Secure outdoor items before storms arrive

The main threat window for our area is expected this afternoon through the overnight hours. Please do not rely on outdoor sirens alone, especially while sleeping.

Stay weather-aware and follow trusted sources for updates, including the National Weather Service and Murray County Public Safety.

05/05/2026

Heads up folks

05/04/2026

Campfire restrictions have been lifted across the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest effective May 4, 2026.

Recent rainfall has helped reduce overall fire danger, allowing for this change. Even so, conditions are not uniform across the forest and some areas may remain dry enough to carry fire, especially with warmer and breezy weather in the days ahead.

Campfires are allowed in designated areas, and visitors should always use established fire rings where provided.

If you’re building a campfire:
• Keep fires a safe distance from tents, vegetation and anything that could ignite
• Keep fires small and manageable
• Never leave them unattended
• Fully extinguish using the drown, stir and feel method until the fire is cold to the touch

Fire managers will continue monitoring conditions and may reinstate restrictions if needed.

Help protect your public lands by using caution with any open flame.