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Thursday, August 31, 2017

Colonial Pipeline Temporarily Shuts Down
UPdate: Governor Signs Executive Order to Assist with Fuel Shortage and Delivery of Relief Supplies

**UPDATE: 5:50 pm**

The Governor has declared a State of Emergency suspending regulations to allow trucks to bring fuel into the state and to allow relief supplies to be delivered to the victims of Hurricane Harvey. The text is posted below. The original material of this article is below the Executive Order.

ROY COOPER GOVERNOR August 31, 2017 EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 19
DECLARATION OF STATE OF EMERGENCY IN ORDER TO SUSPEND MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FUEL SUPPLIES IN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA AND TO SUPPORT RELIEF EFFORTS FOR HURRICANE HARVEY

WHEREAS, Hurricane Harvey made landfall on the coast of Texas on August 25, 2017 and the remnants of the storm also impacted Louisiana; and

WHEREAS, the storm continues to cause major catastrophic impacts to areas in both Texas and Louisiana; and

WHEREAS, many states and organizations will be supporting emergency relief efforts to Texas and Louisiana and those vehicles transporting emergency relief supplies and services will be traveling through North Carolina; and

WHEREAS, due to the impact of Hurricane Harvey there has been a temporary shutdown of refineries in Texas and Louisiana, which has caused a disruption in the delivery of petroleum products, including gasoline; and

WHEREAS, vehicles carrying gasoline and other petroleum products need to be moved to communities on the highways of North Carolina; and

WHEREAS, the supply of gasoline and petroleum products to citizens is essential to their safety and well-being; and

WHEREAS, I have found that there is an abnormal market disruption in North Carolina, as a result of the impact of the temporary shutdown of refineries due to Hurricane Harvey, in Executive Order number 18; and

WHEREAS, due to the finding of an abnormal market disruption and the catastrophic damages in Texas and Louisiana, I have determined that it is necessary to declare that a state of emergency as defined in N.C.G.S. §§ 166A-l 9.3(6), l 66A-19.3(19) and 166A-19.20 exists in the State of North Carolina for the purpose of temporarily waiving certain motor vehicle regulations for vehicles that transport gasoline and petroleum products. This emergency declaration is also necessary to provide coverage to vehicles providing emergency relief and services to Texas and Louisiana due to Hurricane Harvey. The emergency area as defined in N.C.G.S. §§ 166A-19.3(7) and N.C.G.S. 166A-19.20(b) is the State of North Carolina; and

WHEREAS, under the provisions of N.C.G.S. § 166A-19.30(b)(3) the Governor, with the concurrence of the Council of State, may regulate and control the flow of vehicular traffic and the operation of transportation services; and

WHERAS, under the provisions of N.C.G.S. § 166A-19.30(b)(4) the Governor, with the concurrence of the Council of State, may waive a provision of any regulation or ordinance of a State agency which restricts the immediate relief of human suffering; and

WHEREAS, with the concurrence of the Council of State, I have found that vehicles carrying gasoline and petroleum products and carrying emergency relief supplies or services for Hurricane Harvey must adhere to the registration requirements of N.C.G.S. § 20-86.1 and 20- 382, fuel tax requirements of N.C.G.S. § 105-449.47, and the size and weight requirements of

N.C.G.S. §§ 20-116, 20-118 and 20-119. I have further found that citizens will likely suffer further widespread damage within the meaning of N.C.G.S § 166A-19.3(3) and N.C.G.S. § 166A-19.2l(b); and

WHEREAS, 49 C.F.R. § 390.23 allows the Governor of a state to suspend the rules and regulations under 49 C.F.R. Parts 390-399 for up to thirty (30) days if the Governor determines that an emergency condition exists; and

WHEREAS, under N.C.G.S. § 166A-19.70, the Governor may declare that the health, safety, or economic well-being of persons or property requires that the maximum hours of service for drivers prescribed by N.C.G.S. § 20-381 should be waived for persons transporting essential fuels, food, water, medical supplies, and for vehicles used in the restoration of utility services; and

WHEREAS, on August 25, 2017, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued a regional emergency declaration, pursuant to 49 C.F.R 390.23 to provide for regulatory relief for commercial motor vehicle operations under 49 C.F.R Parts 390-399, while providing direct assistance supporting emergency relief efforts transporting supplies, equipment and persons into or from the States of Texas and Louisiana or providing other assistance in the form of emergency services during the emergency resulting from Hurricane Harvey in the States of Texas and Louisiana.

NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the authority vested in me as Governor by the Constitution and the laws of the State of North Carolina, IT IS ORDERED:

Section 1.

The North Carolina Department of Public Safety in conjunction with the North Carolina Department of Transportation shall waive the maximum hours of service for drivers prescribed by the Department of Public Safety pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 20-381.

Section 2.

The North Carolina Department of Public Safety in conjunction with the North Carolina Department of Transportation shall waive certain size and weight restrictions and penalties arising under N.C.G.S. §§ 20-116, 20-118 and 20-119, and certain registration requirements and penalties arising under N.C.G.S. §§ 20-86.1, 20-382, 105-449.47, and I 05-449.49 for the vehicles transporting gasoline and other petroleum products to areas within North Carolina and for vehicles transporting emergency relief or services for Hurricane Harvey to Texas and Louisiana.

Section 3.

Notwithstanding the waivers set forth above, size and weight restrictions and penalties have not been waived under the following conditions:

When the vehicle weight exceeds the maximum gross weight criteria established by the manufacturer (GVWR) or 90,000 pounds gross weight, whichever is less.

When the tandem axle weight exceeds 42,000 pounds and the single axle weight exceeds 22,000 pounds.

When a vehicle and vehicle combination exceeds 12 feet in width and a total overall vehicle combination length of 75 feet from bumper to bumper.

Vehicles and vehicle combinations subject to exemptions or permits by authority of this Executive Order shall not be exempt from the requirement of having a yellow banner on the front and rear measuring a total length of 7 feet by 18 inches bearing the legend "Oversized Load" in 10 inch black letters 1.5 inches wide and red flags measuring 18 inches square to be displayed on all sides at the widest point of the load. In addition, when operating between sunset and sunrise, a certified escort shall be required for loads exceeding 8 feet 6 inches in width.

Section 4.

Vehicles referenced under Sections 2 and 3 shall be exempt from the following registration requirements:

The $50.00 fee listed in N.C.G.S. § 105-449.49 for a temporary trip permit is waived for the vehicles described above. No quarterly fuel tax is required because the exception in N.C.G.S. § 105-449.45(a)(l ) applies.

The registration requirements under N.C.G.S. § 20-382.1 concerning intrastate and interstate for-hire authority is waived; however, vehicles shall maintain the required limits of insurance as required.

Non-participants in North Carolina's International Registration Plan will be permitted into North Carolina in accordance with the exemptions identified by this Executive Order.

Section 5.

The size and weight exemption for vehicles will be allowed on all routes designated by the North Carolina Department of Transportation, except those routes designated as light traffic roads under N.C.G.S. § 20-118. This order shall not be in effect on bridges posted pursuant to

N.C.G.S. § 136-72.

Section 6.

The waiver of regulations under Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations) does not apply to the Commercial Driver's License and Insurance Requirements. This waiver shall be in effect for thirty (30) days or the duration of the emergency, whichever is less.

Section 7.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol shall enforce the conditions set forth in Sections 1 through 6 of this Executive Order in a manner, which will implement these provisions without endangering motorists in North Carolina.

Section 8.

Upon request by law enforcement officers, exempted vehicles must produce documentation sufficient to establish their loads are being used for relief efforts associated with transporting gasoline, other petroleum products or for emergency relief efforts associated with Hurricane Harvey.

Section 9.

This Executive Order does not prohibit or restrict lawfully possessed firearms or ammunition or impose any limitation on the consumption, transportation, sale or purchase of alcoholic beverages as provided in N.C.G.S. § 166A-19.30(c).

Section 10.

The gasoline truck tank and vapor system requirements of I SA N.C.A.C. 02D.0932(c) shall be waived during this time if Method 27 is followed.

Section 11.

This Executive Order is effective immediately and shall remain in effect for thirty (30) days or the duration of the emergency, whichever is less.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in the City of Raleigh, this 3P1 day of August in the year of our Lord two thousand-seventeen.



--end update--




The shut down of refineries in the Texas and Louisiana areas are beginning to have some impact on the delivery of fuel as a temporary shortage in supply has developed. Colonial Pipeline has two main lines that together transport more than 100 million gallons of gasoline, heating oil and aviation fuel as far as the New York Harbor every day. 

The pipeline has been shut down in 2005 for Hurricanes Katrina and Rite and for a leak and a fire in 2016 and is once again having to shut down, this time for Hurricane Harvey. The diesel and Aviation line was shut down Wednesday and the gasoline line was shut today. It is unknown how long the lines will be down or if alternate delivery methods can keep up with the demand.

A press release from Colonial Pipeline is posted below. Macon Media notes that if people do not alter their routine to refuel, interruptions in fuel supply at local gas stations will be minimal. The moment everyone starts topping off their tanks with a couple of gallons here and there, the whole fuel supply crunch we saw in 2005, 2008 and in 2016 will happen again.


PRESS RELEASE
Harvey Storm Response
Colonial Pipeline Company
August 30, 2017

Colonial Pipeline continues to deploy personnel and resources to the Gulf Coast to assist with response efforts related to the hurricane. This work is being managed via an established incident command center with dedicated staffing and resources.

As of this morning, Colonial facilities west of Lake Charles, La., are temporarily out of service due to the storms. Once Colonial personnel can safely access these facilities, we will evaluate and provide an estimate of the time necessary to ensure our pipe, pumps, tanks and related infrastructure are safe to resume operations between Houston and Lake Charles.

Due to supply constraints caused by storm-related refinery shut-downs and the impact to Colonial’s facilities west of Lake Charles, Colonial’s Line 2, which transports primarily diesel and aviation fuels, will suspend service this evening. For the same reasons, we expect that Line 1, which transports gasoline and is currently operating at reduced rates, will suspend service tomorrow (Thursday). Once Colonial is able to ensure that its facilities are safe to operate and refiners in Lake Charles and points east have the ability to move product to Colonial, our system will resume operations.

Of the 26 refineries that connect to the Colonial system, 13 are located between Houston and Lake Charles.

Colonial is one part of the fuel delivery system, and there are multiple means of supplying the market to mitigate concerns with supply, including other pipelines, trucks, and barges.

The safety of our personnel and integrity of our system will remain the top priorities. Our thoughts and prayers remain with all those impacted by this event.



Previous Colonial Pipeline Stories (in reverse chronological order):

Explosion and Fire Closes Colonial Pipeline Again (Nov 2016) [LINK]


Colonial Pipeline Completes Pipeline Bypass 
Shipments Expected to Resume Tomorrow (Sept 2016) [LINK]


Update on Gas Crunch Situation Locally and from Colonial Pipeline (Sept 2016) 
[LINK]


Gas Shortage Hits Macon County Due to Leak in Alabama (Sept 2016) [LINK]




CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month.

If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only. Macon Media rewards early sponsors/underwriters with lifetime guaranteed low rates while newer sponsors/underwriters pay higher rates based on the date they first support Macon Media.

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online. You have made it possible for Macon Media to begin purchasing state of the art equipment and begin work on building a real website with features not employed by any local news outlets.

You can find out more information on how to do that and some of what I plan to accomplish if I reach certain levels of funding at 
https://www.patreon.com/MaconMedia


Published at 11:05 am on August 31, 2017
.


Daily Weather Briefing for Thursday, August 31, 2017


National Forecast Map for today


LOCAL OUTLOOK

High-pressure ridging down the Appalachians from the north will keep our area cooler than normal through the end of the work week. Moisture will also steadily increase atop the region as the remnants of Harvey move into the Ohio Valley and pass through the county. Warm high pressure will return behind Harvey during the latter half of Labor Day weekend.

Remnants of HARVEY

It now appears that Macon County will be in the dry slot as Harvey passes by to our north. Macon County will probably not receive more than 3 inches of rain today, tonight and tomorrow. Some locations may receive more if there are multiple rounds of thunderstorms. Widespread flooding is not expected and only locations that have poor drainage will be impacted.

If you are out driving in one of the periods of heavy rain, or shortly afterward, please be cautious as there may be areas with excess water in the roadway, making it more likely to hydroplane and lose control of your automobile. Reduce your speed and following distances if you have to travel today and tomorrow.


WEATHER SPONSOR



Adams Products, a Division of Oldcastle is underwriting the daily weather briefing and public safety updates for the month. They have all your masonry products (block, mortars, tools), plus feature Belgrade Pavers and Sakrete Products. Open 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, M-F, located at 895 Hickory Knoll Road, Franklin, NC.

Visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Adams.Oldcastle.Franklin.NC/

Their phone number is 828.524.8545, all are welcome, let them help you with your next project.


Weather Almanac for August 31st (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 93°F in Franklin in 1957
Lowest Temperature 40°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1946
Greatest Rainfall 4.11 inches in Highlands in 1893


Record weather events for August in Macon County

Highest Temperature 99°F in Franklin on Aug 9, 1980
Lowest Temperature 40°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station on Aug 29, 1968
Greatest Rainfall 9.68 inches in Highlands on Aug 13, 1940


THREE DAY OUTLOOK

Surface map for today at 7 am

TODAY heavy rain at times

Patchy fog and rainy today, with some thunderstorms likely. Highs in the mid-70s in the Franklin area and 5 to 8 degrees cooler in the Highlands area and the higher elevations. 100% chance of rain at some point in the entire county today. Rainfall amounts from 6 am to 6 pm will be between half an inch to an inch, with more in locations that see multiple rounds of thunderstorm activity.


TONIGHT heavy rain, some thunderstorms

Cloudy and foggy overnight with lows in the low to mid-60s and winds 5 to 10 mph from the southeast. Near 100% chance of rain with rainfall amounts around an inch expected. Some locations could see more.

Surface map for Friday at 7 am

FRIDAY heavy rain at times, strong thunderstorms possible

Cloudy with highs near the mid-70s in the Franklin area and 5 to 10 degrees cooler in Highlands and the higher elevations. Winds 5 to 10 mph from the south. Rainfall chances are expected to be around 70% with rainfall amounts around half an inch, with more possible in locations that see thunderstorms activity. Some thunderstorms may be strong or severe.

FRIDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows near 60 and wind 5 to 10 mph from the south. 40% chance of rain.

Surface map for Saturday at 7 am

SATURDAY

Partly sunny with highs in the mid-70s. 30% chance of showers, mainly before 3 pm.

SATURDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows in the mid to upper 50s.

HAZARDS

Rain and thunderstorms are expected today. The rain could be heavy at times. As the ground becomes saturated, it is possible some flooding could occur tomorrow. Some thunderstorms activity is expected and some of it could be severe tomorrow. The remnants of Harvey are expected to arrive in the region in the next few days and the current thinking is that we could receive 3 or 4 inches of rain out of the event.

The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for today and tomorrow for the rainfall and storms we will be seeing as the remnants of Harvey pass through the area. It is posted below:

..TODAY...Heavy rain possible. The remnants of Tropical Cyclone
Harvey will spread moisture into the area Thursday through Friday,
resulting in a threat for locally heavy rain.

..FRIDAY...Severe weather with flash flooding possible. The remnants
of Harvey will cross the Tennessee Valley, continuing to spread deep
moisture and shear across the area. This may lead to localized flash
flooding as well as an isolated threat for severe thunderstorms
capable of producing strong winds.

As always, you can check to see what advisories, watches, and warnings are in effect for Macon County by visiting http://is.gd/MACONWARN

Tropical Weather Outlook

TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK


Tropical Weather Outlook
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
200 AM EDT Thu Aug 31 2017

For the North Atlantic...The Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico:

The National Hurricane Center has issued its last advisory on Tropical Depression Harvey, located over central Louisiana. Future advisories on Harvey will be issued by the NOAA Weather Prediction Center beginning at 4 AM CDT. The National Hurricane Center is issuing advisories on Tropical Storm Irma, located over the eastern Atlantic Ocean.

1. An area of low pressure could form over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico by the weekend. Development, if any, of this system is expected to be slow to occur as the low moves slowly northward. If this system does develop, it could bring additional rainfall to portions of the Texas and Louisiana coasts. However, any rainfall forecast is uncertain at this time range, and it is too soon to determine any specific impacts. Interests in these areas should monitor the progress of this system for the next few days.

* Formation chance through 48 hours...low...near 0 percent.
* Formation chance through 5 days...low...20 percent.

Possible path for Post Tropical Cyclone HARVEY

Tropical Depression Harvey Discussion Number 43
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL092017
1000 PM CDT Wed Aug 30 2017

Harvey has continued to weaken since this afternoon as the center has moved farther inland over Louisiana. Surface observations indicate that winds along the northern Gulf coast have decreased, and the system became a tropical depression in the 0000 UTC intermediate advisory. Harvey should continue to gradually weaken as the circulation moves farther inland, and the cyclone is expected to dissipate over the Ohio Valley within 72 hours.

Harvey is moving north-northeastward at about 8 kt. The cyclone should turn northeastward around the northwestern portion of a mid-level ridge that extends westward from the western Atlantic across the eastern Gulf of Mexico. This steering pattern is forecast to take Harvey across the Lower Mississippi and Tennessee Valleys during the next couple of days.

It should be noted that despite Harvey's weakening, heavy rainfall and flooding are forecast to occur along the path of Harvey during the next few days, but it's faster forward speed should keep subsequent rainfall amounts well below what occurred along the northwest Gulf coast.

This is the last advisory issued by the National Hurricane Center on Harvey. Future information on this system can be found in public advisories issued by the Weather Prediction Center beginning at 4 AM CDT under AWIPS header TCPAT4, WMO header WTNT34 KWNH, and on the web at http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov. Additional information can also be found in products issued by your local National Weather Service office.

The National Hurricane Center would like to thank all the men and women that have worked countless hours at local National Weather Service Forecast offices along the Gulf coast providing life-saving warnings and information during the past week, on top of preparing their family and homes for the storm. The center would also like to acknowledge the dedication of the Air Force and NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft crews that flew numerous missions into Harvey. In addition, NHC thanks the staff at the Weather Prediction Center, who led efforts to coordinate forecasts of the historic flooding event, NWS River Forecast Centers that provided flood guidance, and the Storm Prediction Center, that coordinated tornado forecasts.

Key Messages:

1. Ongoing catastrophic and life-threatening flooding will continue across southeastern Texas. While the threat of heavy rains has ended in the Houston/Galveston area, catastrophic and life-threatening flooding will continue in and around Houston, Beaumont/Port Arthur, and eastward into southwest Louisiana for the rest of the week. Isolated storm totals have reached 50 inches over the upper Texas coast, including the Houston/Galveston metropolitan area. Please heed the advice of local officials. Do not attempt to travel if you are in a safe place, and do not drive into flooded roadways. Refer to products from your local National Weather Service office and the NOAA Weather Prediction Center for more information on the flooding hazard. A summary of rainfall totals compiled by the Weather Prediction Center can be found at: www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/discussions/nfdscc1.html

2. The flood threat has spread farther north and east, and additional rainfall accumulations of 3 to 6 inches with isolated amounts up to 10 inches are expected from southwestern Louisiana and the adjacent border of eastern Texas northeastward into western Kentucky through Friday. Please heed the advice of local officials, and refer to products from your local National Weather Service office and the NOAA Weather Prediction Center for more information on the flooding hazard in these areas.

3. The Weather Prediction Center will issue public advisories on Harvey as long as it remains a rainfall threat. These advisories can continue to be found on the National Hurricane Center website and at http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov.


FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS

INIT 31/0300Z 31.7N 92.3W 30 KT 35 MPH
12H 31/1200Z 32.8N 91.4W 25 KT 30 MPH...INLAND
24H 01/0000Z 34.5N 89.7W 25 KT 30 MPH...INLAND
36H 01/1200Z 35.9N 87.6W 25 KT 30 MPH...INLAND
48H 02/0000Z 37.0N 85.7W 20 KT 25 MPH...INLAND
72H 03/0000Z...DISSIPATED

MACON CALENDAR

If you have an event you wish to be added to this calendar, please send the information, along with a flyer in pdf format or a high-quality photo, to editor@maconmedia.com. If you want text published, please include a paragraph with your photo, flyer or graphic. Please include date(s) and time(s).
There is no charge for civic, educational or nonprofit groups, except for groups or events that receive funding from the TDA, TDC, and EDC, where full rates apply.


Friday, September 8th at 1:00 pm

BUTTERFLY WALK AT HIGHLANDS BIOLOGICAL STATION

James T. Costa, Ph.D. will lead a free nature walk with an emphasis on butterflies at 1 pm Friday Sept. 8 at the Highlands Biological Station, 265 N. 6th St. Highlands. He is Director of the research station and a biology professor at Western Carolina University. For those who want to carpool from Franklin, we will meet at Bi-Lo's parking lot at 12:15 pm. Please email Renee at Rubinlive@gmail.com if you are interested so you may be informed of any changes due to weather.
In addition, Dr. Costa will speak at 6:30 pm Sept. 8 at City Lights in Sylva about his new book, Darwin's Backyard: How Small Experiments Led to a Big Theory.

The Future Farmers of America are selling Raffle Tickets
More information is posted below:

Support Franklin FFA (Future Farmers of America)
!!! RAFFLE TICKETS !!!!

$5.00 a ticket or 5 for $20.00

Winner announced & does not be present at The Macon County Fair 2017
September 13-16, 2017 at The Wayne Proffitt Agriculture Center - Macon County Fairgrounds, 1436 Georgia Rd, Franklin NC 28734
Raffle is for Adventure Package, valued at $300.00...

Items are:
1. Cargo Carrier ( donated by Ultimate Truck Accessories) - can be used atop an SUV/Van or rear hitch
2. Foldable Camp Chairs in Camo with Table
3. Burn Fire Log (Swedish Flame Torch)
4. Lighter
5. Heavy Duty Flashlight
6. "Over the flame" cooking basket
7. Roasting Sticks
8. Bug Spray

We thank Appalachian Ace Hardware for their support.

*All proceeds go to Franklin FFA & FHS Ag Dept*
Contact Gregory Charles Spala via FB or 813-838-7693 text or call
Or Lori Spala via FB or 813-503-2160


September 27th, WEDNESDAY

HOSPICE HOUSE FOUNDATION OF WNC

PEACEFUL JOURNEY
3rd annual charity dining event
hosted by RISTORANTE PAOLETTI at 440 Main Street in Highlands

For information, visit http://hhfwnc.org/peaceful-journey/


National Alliance on Mental Illness
Appalachian South

Meets each Thursday at 7pm
The First Methodist Church Outreach Center
at the intersection of Harrison Ave. and West Main Street
(directly across from Lazy Hiker Brewery)

Come join our weekly support group for anyone suffering from mental illness and their family or friends. This includes Depression, Bipolar,8chizophrenia, PTSD, Substance Abuse, Etc.

Here you will find:
— others living with mental health challenges YOU ARE NOT ALONE
- learn coping skills and ?find hope in shared experience
- help learning how to break down stigma and guilt surrounding mental health
- how to live life with the expectation of a better a better future

Kay (706)970-9987 Denise (828)347-5000)

SYRINGE EXCHANGE PROGRAM

On January 1, 2017, the Syringe Exchange Program of Franklin began operating a comprehensive harm reduction program to address the opioid epidemic that is impacting western NC. Opioid overdose reversal kits including naloxone are available free of charge. If you have any questions about our services or if you know someone interested in volunteering, please contact Stephanie Almeida at 828-475-1920.



Sun and Moon

Sun

Begin civil twilight 6:40 a.m.
Sunrise 7:06 a.m.
Sun transit 1:34 p.m.
Sunset 8:01 p.m.
End civil twilight 8:27 p.m.

Moon

Moonset 1:53 a.m.
Moonrise 4:16 p.m.
Moon transit 9:28 p.m.
Moonset 2:40 a.m. tomorrow morning

Phase of the Moon on August 31, 2017: Waxing Gibbous with 71% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
Closest Primary Moon Phase: First Quarter on August 29, 2017 at 4:13 a.m. (local daylight time)





Sky Guides for this week

Sky and Telescope Magazine 
Astronomy Magazine


Earth Sky has an article on the eclipses of 2017. [LINK]

Heavens Above has an Android App that will assist you in observing the sky and even has a satellite tracker that will let you know when the International Space Station and dozens of other satellites are overhead. [LINK]

Stellarium is also an app that will assist you in observing the sky. It is available in both Android [LINK] and iOS versions. [LINK]

CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month.

If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only. Macon Media rewards early sponsors/underwriters with lifetime guaranteed low rates while newer sponsors/underwriters pay higher rates based on the date they first support Macon Media.

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online. You have made it possible for Macon Media to begin purchasing state of the art equipment and begin work on building a real website with features not employed by any local news outlets.

You can find out more information on how to do that and some of what I plan to accomplish if I reach certain levels of funding at https://www.patreon.com/MaconMedia

Published at 4:52 am on August 31, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

Data and information sources: Sources (except where otherwise credited): heavens-above.com, Ian Webster's Github, National Centers for Environmental Prediction, The National Weather Service, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, Penn State University Electronic Wall Map, The State Climate Office of North Carolina, Storm Prediction Center, U.S. Naval Observatory, and the Weather Prediction Center. 

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Daily Weather Briefing for Wednesday, August 30, 2017





LOCAL OUTLOOK

High-pressure ridging down the Appalachians will keep our area less warm than normal through the end of the work week. Moisture will also steadily increase atop the region as the remnants of Harvey move into the Ohio Valley.

5 Day Precipitation Forecast

Five Day Precipitation Forecast

The Weather Prediction Center out of College Park, Maryland is forecasting our region to receive between 3 and 4 inches of rain from the remnants of HARVEY by Labor Day. While that does not compare with what Texas and other locations in the Gulf have received, it is probably enough to cause some limited flooding in locations that have poor drainage. The period of heaviest rain will probably be Friday when a couple of inches of rain is currently expected to fall. If the situation and forecast changes, Macon Media will post additional updates.


WEATHER SPONSOR



Adams Products, a Division of Oldcastle is underwriting the daily weather briefing and public safety updates for the month. They have all your masonry products (block, mortars, tools), plus feature Belgrade Pavers and Sakrete Products. Open 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, M-F, located at 895 Hickory Knoll Road, Franklin, NC.

Visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Adams.Oldcastle.Franklin.NC/

Their phone number is 828.524.8545, all are welcome, let them help you with your next project.


Weather Almanac for August 30th (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 92°F in Franklin in 1948
Lowest Temperature 41°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1968
Greatest Rainfall 7.76 inches in Highlands in 1940


Record weather events for August in Macon County

Highest Temperature 99°F in Franklin on Aug 9, 1980
Lowest Temperature 40°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station on Aug 29, 1968
Greatest Rainfall 9.68 inches in Highlands on Aug 13, 1940


THREE DAY OUTLOOK



TODAY

Patchy fog in the morning. Cloudy with highs in the mid-70s in Franklin and the main valley and 5 to 10 degrees cooler in Highlands and the higher elevations. Rain chances will increase from 10% at 6 am to near 60% at 6 pm. Rainfall accumulations are expected to be between a tenth and a quarter of an inch during this time period.


TONIGHT

Cloudy with fog expected to develop overnight. Lows in the mid-60s and calm winds. Rain is likely with rainfall accumulations between a quarter and half an inch expected.



THURSDAY

Periods of rain with highs in the mid-70s in the Franklin area and 5 to 8 degrees cooler in Highlands and the higher elevations. 60% chance of rain.

THURSDAY NIGHT

Cloudy with lows in the lower 60s and calm winds. 60% chance of rain.



FRIDAY

Cloudy with highs in the low to mid-70s. 60% chance of rain, which could be heavy at times.

FRIDAY NIGHT

Cloudy with lows in the upper 50s and lower 60s. 70% chance of rain, which could be heavy at times.

HAZARDS

Hazardous weather is not expected today. The remnants of Harvey are expected to arrive in the region in the next few days and the current thinking is that we could receive 3 or 4 inches of rain out of the event.

As always, you can check to see what advisories, watches, and warnings are in effect for Macon County by visiting http://is.gd/MACONWARN



TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK


Tropical Weather Outlook
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
200 AM EDT Wed Aug 30 2017

For the North Atlantic...The Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico:

The National Hurricane Center is issuing advisories on Tropical Storm Harvey, located just offshore of the coast of southwestern Louisiana.

1. A low-pressure area is located just west of the Cabo Verde Islands. This system has changed little in organization over the past several hours, but any significant increase in the associated thunderstorm activity would result in the formation of a tropical depression within the next day or two. The system is forecast to move west-northwestward to westward at 15 to 20 mph over the tropical Atlantic during the next several days.

* Formation chance through 48 hours...high...90 percent.
* Formation chance through 5 days...high...90 percent.




Tropical Storm Harvey Discussion Number 39
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL092017
1000 PM CDT Tue Aug 29 2017

Latest radar imagery shows that heavy rainfall continues over far eastern Texas and southwestern Louisiana. Outer bands are also producing heavy rain farther east along portions of the northern Gulf coast. However, rains have begun to diminish over the Greater Houston area, where some locations have received more than 50 inches during this historic event.

Harvey took an eastward jog this evening, but recent satellite images suggest that a northeastward motion has resumed. The storm is expected to move north-northeastward to northeastward between a ridge over the eastern Gulf of Mexico and a trough over the east-central United States. This motion should bring the center onshore over southwestern Louisiana early Wednesday, and into the Tennessee Valley region later this week. The global models show the system becoming an open trough near the Ohio Valley or Appalachians in 4 to 5 days. The latest NHC track forecast has been shifted eastward partially due to the more eastward initial position.

There has been little overall change to Harvey's convective structure since the previous advisory, and the initial intensity remains 45 kt, which was supported by the earlier aircraft data. Little change in strength is anticipated before Harvey reaches the Louisiana coast. After that time, gradual weakening should occur while Harvey moves farther inland.

The latest forecast required an extension of the tropical storm warning eastward to Grand Isle, Louisiana.

Key Messages:

1. Ongoing catastrophic and life-threatening flooding will continue across southeastern Texas. Additional rainfall accumulations of 6 to 12 inches are expected to the north and east of Houston from far east Texas into southwestern Louisiana. Isolated storm totals have reached 50 inches over the upper Texas coast, including the Houston/Galveston metropolitan area. Please heed the advice of local officials. Do not attempt to travel if you are in a safe place, and do not drive into flooded roadways. Refer to products from your local National Weather Service office and the NOAA Weather Prediction Center for more information on the flooding hazard. A summary of rainfall totals compiled by the Weather Prediction Center can be found at: www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/discussions/nfdscc1.html

2. The flood threat has spread farther east, and additional rainfall amounts of 5 to 10 inches are expected in southern Louisiana into coastal Mississippi and Alabama. These rains will spread north by mid to late week, with rainfall amounts of 4 to 8 inches in portions of Arkansas and the Tennessee Valley. Please heed the advice of local officials and refer to products from your local National Weather Service office and the NOAA Weather Prediction Center for more information on the flooding hazard in these areas.

FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS

INIT 30/0300Z 29.0N 93.6W 45 KT 50 MPH
12H 30/1200Z 29.8N 93.0W 40 KT 45 MPH...INLAND
24H 31/0000Z 31.1N 92.3W 30 KT 35 MPH...INLAND
36H 31/1200Z 32.5N 91.2W 30 KT 35 MPH...INLAND
48H 01/0000Z 34.3N 89.5W 25 KT 30 MPH...INLAND
72H 02/0000Z 36.8N 85.9W 25 KT 30 MPH...POST-TROP/INLAND
96H 03/0000Z 39.0N 81.5W 20 KT 25 MPH...POST-TROP/INLAND
120H 04/0000Z...DISSIPATED

MACON CALENDAR

If you have an event you wish to be added to this calendar, please send the information, along with a flyer in pdf format or a high-quality photo, to editor@maconmedia.com. If you want text published, please include a paragraph with your photo, flyer or graphic. Please include date(s) and time(s).
There is no charge for civic, educational or nonprofit groups, except for groups or events that receive funding from the TDA, TDC, and EDC, where full rates apply.


September 27th, WEDNESDAY

HOSPICE HOUSE FOUNDATION OF WNC

PEACEFUL JOURNEY
3rd annual charity dining event
hosted by RISTORANTE PAOLETTI at 440 Main Street in Highlands

For information, visit http://hhfwnc.org/peaceful-journey/


National Alliance on Mental Illness
Appalachian South

Meets each Thursday at 7pm
The First Methodist Church Outreach Center
at the intersection of Harrison Ave. and West Main Street
(directly across from Lazy Hiker Brewery)

Come join our weekly support group for anyone suffering from mental illness and their family or friends. This includes Depression, Bipolar,8chizophrenia, PTSD, Substance Abuse, Etc.

Here you will find:
— others living with mental health challenges YOU ARE NOT ALONE
- learn coping skills and ?find hope in shared experience
- help learning how to break down stigma and guilt surrounding mental health
- how to live life with the expectation of a better a better future

Kay (706)970-9987 Denise (828)347-5000)

SYRINGE EXCHANGE PROGRAM

On January 1, 2017, the Syringe Exchange Program of Franklin began operating a comprehensive harm reduction program to address the opioid epidemic that is impacting western NC. Opioid overdose reversal kits including naloxone are available free of charge. If you have any questions about our services or if you know someone interested in volunteering, please contact Stephanie Almeida at 828-475-1920.



Sun and Moon

Sun

Begin civil twilight 6:38 a.m.
Sunrise 7:04 a.m.
Sun transit 1:34 p.m.
Sunset 8:04 p.m.
End civil twilight 8:30 p.m.

Moon

Moonset 12:30 a.m.
Moonrise 2:34 p.m.
Moon transit 7:53 p.m.
Moonset 1:10 a.m. on following day


Phase of the Moon on August 29, 2017: First Quarter at 4:13 a.m.




Sky Guides for this week

Sky and Telescope Magazine 
Astronomy Magazine


Earth Sky has an article on the eclipses of 2017. [LINK]

Heavens Above has an Android App that will assist you in observing the sky and even has a satellite tracker that will let you know when the International Space Station and dozens of other satellites are overhead. [LINK]

Stellarium is also an app that will assist you in observing the sky. It is available in both Android [LINK] and iOS versions. [LINK]

CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month.

If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only. Macon Media rewards early sponsors/underwriters with lifetime guaranteed low rates while newer sponsors/underwriters pay higher rates based on the date they first support Macon Media.

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online. You have made it possible for Macon Media to begin purchasing state of the art equipment and begin work on building a real website with features not employed by any local news outlets.

You can find out more information on how to do that and some of what I plan to accomplish if I reach certain levels of funding at https://www.patreon.com/MaconMedia

Published at 3:53 am on August 30, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

Data and information sources: Sources (except where otherwise credited): heavens-above.com, Ian Webster's Github, National Centers for Environmental Prediction, The National Weather Service, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, Penn State University Electronic Wall Map, The State Climate Office of North Carolina, Storm Prediction Center, U.S. Naval Observatory, and the Weather Prediction Center. 

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

The Columbia Eclipse Photoshoot at Smith Rock


Here is a video that describes how the amazing eclipse photo showing a man on Smith Rock in front of the eclipsed sun is in the video below.




From the video description:

The real story behind Ted Hesser and Andrew Studer capturing their iconic images of the eclipse at Smith Rock. It will give you chills.

Subscribe: http://bit.ly/1qIbjyH

Connect with Columbia Sportswear Online: www.columbia.com

Like Columbia Sportswear on FACEBOOK: http://bit.ly/2mhY5KS
Follow Columbia Sportswear on TWITTER: http://bit.ly/2lH2cOX
Follow Columbia Sportswear on INSTAGRAM: http://bit.ly/12k4Ts4
Visit the Columbia Sportswear WEBSITE: http://bit.ly/2iwhExO
Add Columbia Sportswear on SNAPCHAT: http://bit.ly/2lH2T9q

Ted Hesser
Instagram - http://instagram.com/tedhesser

Andrew Studer
Instagram - http://instagram.com/andrew.studer

Tommy Smith
Instagram - http://instagram.com/thistommysmith

Michael Shainblum
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shainblumphotography

About Columbia Sportswear:

Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Columbia Sportswear Company has been making gear so that Pacific Northwesterners can enjoy the outdoors for more than 70 years. At the helm for over 40 years has been our Chairman, Gert Boyle. Her Tough Mother persona has grown Columbia into the global sportswear company that it is today—still based in Portland, still making no-nonsense apparel and footwear to keep you WARM, DRY, COOL and PROTECTED no matter what. Our unique Pacific Northwest heritage and Boyle family irreverence IS what sets us apart from the competition.

MACON MEDIA ECLIPSE SPONSORS

Adams Products

Adams Products, a Division of Oldcastle is underwriting the daily weather briefing and public safety updates for the month. They have all your masonry products (block, mortars, tools), plus feature Belgrade Pavers and Sakrete Products. Open 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, M-F, located at 895 Hickory Knoll Road, Franklin, NC.

Visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Adams.Oldcastle.Franklin.NC/

Their phone number is 828.524.8545, all are welcome, let them help you with your next project.


Carrion Tree Service

Carrion Tree Service is underwriting the daily weather briefing and public safety updates for today. they are a fully licensed and insured tree service, specializing in dangerous tree removal, view clearing, pruning, and crane services with a 24 Hour emergency response.

Their phone number is 371-4718. They are located at 120 Depot Street.

They can handle all your tree removal needs in good or bad weather.


CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month.

If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only. Macon Media rewards early sponsors/underwriters with lifetime guaranteed low rates while newer sponsors/underwriters pay higher rates based on the date they first support Macon Media.

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online. You have made it possible for Macon Media to begin purchasing state of the art equipment and begin work on building a real website with features not employed by any local news outlets.

You can find out more information on how to do that and some of what I plan to accomplish if I reach certain levels of funding at
https://www.patreon.com/MaconMedia

Published at 7:02 am on August 29, 2017



Daily Weather Briefing for Tuesday, August 29, 2017





LOCAL OUTLOOK

High-pressure ridging down the Appalachians will keep our area cooler than normal over the next several days. Low pressure will track northeast along the Carolina coasts through Tuesday and may develop into a tropical storm as it moves east of our area. A cold front will settle across the region Wednesday and may retreat north as a warm front later in the week as the remnants of Harvey move north along the Mississippi River Valley, resulting in scattered to widespread showers and storms.


WEATHER SPONSOR



Adams Products, a Division of Oldcastle is underwriting the daily weather briefing and public safety updates for the month. They have all your masonry products (block, mortars, tools), plus feature Belgrade Pavers and Sakrete Products. Open 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, M-F, located at 895 Hickory Knoll Road, Franklin, NC.

Visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Adams.Oldcastle.Franklin.NC/

Their phone number is 828.524.8545, all are welcome, let them help you with your next project.


Weather Almanac for August 28th (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 96°F in Franklin in 1948
Lowest Temperature 40°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1968
Greatest Rainfall 3.89 inches in Highlands in 1940


Record weather events for August in Macon County

Highest Temperature 99°F in Franklin on Aug 9, 1980
Lowest Temperature 40°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station on Aug 29, 1968
Greatest Rainfall 9.68 inches in Highlands on Aug 13, 1940


THREE DAY OUTLOOK



TODAY

Patchy fog in the morning. Partly sunny with highs in the Franklin and the main valley of the county in the lower 80s and 5 to 10 degrees cooler in the Highlands area and higher elevations. Light winds out of the northwest with a brief rise in the winds before noon to 5 mph, then back to light winds. 20% chance of rain, mainly after 10 am.


TONIGHT

Mostly cloudy with a chance of fog developing after midnight. Lows near 60 in the Franklin and main valley area and 5 to 8 degrees cooler in Highlands and the higher elevations.



WEDNESDAY

Mostly cloudy with highs near 80 in Franklin and the main valley and 5 to 10 degrees cooler in the Highlands area and the higher elevations. Winds are light and variable. 40% chance of rain with rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch possible.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

Cloudy with lows in the lower 60s in the Franklin area and 5 to 8 degrees cooler in higher elevations. 40% chance of rain, with thunderstorms possibly developing in the early morning hours.



THURSDAY

Cloudy with highs in the mid-70s. 50% chance of rain.

THURSDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows in the upper 50s to lower 60s, depending on elevation. 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms.

HAZARDS

Hazardous weather is not expected today.

As always, you can check to see what advisories, watches, and warnings are in effect for Macon County by visiting http://is.gd/MACONWARN



TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK


Tropical Weather Outlook
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
200 AM EDT Tue Aug 29 2017

For the North Atlantic...Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico:

The National Hurricane Center is issuing advisories on Tropical Storm Harvey, located just offshore of the middle Texas coast.

The National Hurricane Center is issuing advisories on Potential Tropical Cyclone Ten, located just offshore of the South Carolina coast.

* Formation chance through 48 hours...medium...50 percent.
* Formation chance through 5 days...medium...50 percent.

1. A tropical wave and associated low-pressure area located a couple of hundred miles southeast of the Cabo Verde Islands is producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms. Environmental conditions are conducive for development, and a tropical depression could form within the next few days over the eastern Atlantic. The low is forecast to move generally westward at 15 to 20 mph over the tropical Atlantic during the next several days. Regardless of development, heavy rain is possible over portions of the Cabo Verde Islands through Wednesday.

* Formation chance through 48 hours...medium...50 percent.
* Formation chance through 5 days...high...80 percent.




Tropical Storm Harvey Discussion Number 35
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL092017
1000 PM CDT Mon Aug 28 2017

The center of Harvey has been moving east-southeastward over the extreme western Gulf of Mexico this evening. Although there is no deep convection near the center of Harvey, thunderstorm activity has continued to increase well north of the center, along the immediate northwest Gulf Coast and has spread inland over the Greater Houston area, worsening the catastrophic flooding situation. Another band of heavy rainfall is moving inland over portions of southern and southwestern Louisiana. Widespread rainfall totals of 30 to 36 inches have been observed in southeastern Texas and the Houston Metropolitan Area. Storm totals could reach 50 inches in some locations, which would be historic for the area.

A NOAA National Ocean Service observing site near Matagorda Bay has continued to report sustained tropical-storm-force winds this evening, and data from this and other nearby stations still support an initial intensity of 40 kt. Given the current structure of the cyclone and the lack of convection near the center, little change in strength is expected while Harvey moves over the northwestern Gulf of Mexico. After landfall in about 36 hours, gradual weakening should occur as the circulation moves farther inland.

Harvey has been moving east-southeastward or 120/3 kt. The storm is forecast to turn northeastward, then north-northeastward over the next couple of days as a ridge to the northwest of the system weakens and Harvey is steered around the western side of a ridge over the eastern Gulf of Mexico. The track guidance has shifted slightly eastward and the new NHC track has been adjusted in that direction.


Key Messages:

1. Ongoing catastrophic and life-threatening flooding will continue across southeastern Texas. Additional rainfall accumulations of 10 to 20 inches are expected across the upper Texas coast, with isolated storm totals as high as 50 inches. Please heed the advice of local officials. Do not attempt to travel if you are in a safe place, and do not drive into flooded roadways. Refer to products from your local National Weather Service office and the NOAA Weather Prediction Center for more information on the flooding hazard. A summary of rainfall totals compiled by the Weather Prediction Center can be found at: www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/discussions/nfdscc1.html

2. The flood threat has spreading farther east into Louisiana. Additional rainfall amounts of 10 to 20 inches are expected in southwestern Louisiana, with rainfall amounts of 5 to 15 inches expected in south-central Louisiana. Rainfall amounts of 5 to 10 inches are expected in southeast Louisiana and coastal Mississippi and Alabama. Please heed the advice of local officials and refer to products from your local National Weather Service office and the NOAA Weather Prediction Center for more information on the flooding hazard in these areas.

3. While Tropical Storm Warnings have been extended eastward along the coast of Louisiana and a Storm Surge Watch has been issued, the impacts of winds and storm surge are expected to be secondary compared to that of the rains.


FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS

INIT 29/0300Z 28.2N 95.3W 40 KT 45 MPH
12H 29/1200Z 28.1N 95.0W 40 KT 45 MPH
24H 30/0000Z 28.5N 94.5W 40 KT 45 MPH
36H 30/1200Z 29.5N 94.0W 40 KT 45 MPH
48H 31/0000Z 30.7N 93.4W 35 KT 40 MPH...INLAND
72H 01/0000Z 33.4N 91.9W 30 KT 35 MPH...INLAND
96H 02/0000Z 35.5N 90.0W 25 KT 30 MPH...INLAND
120H 03/0000Z 38.0N 86.5W 20 KT 25 MPH...POST-TROP/INLAND


MACON CALENDAR

If you have an event you wish to be added to this calendar, please send the information, along with a flyer in pdf format or a high-quality photo, to editor@maconmedia.com. If you want text published, please include a paragraph with your photo, flyer or graphic. Please include date(s) and time(s).
There is no charge for civic, educational or nonprofit groups, except for groups or events that receive funding from the TDA, TDC, and EDC, where full rates apply.


September 27th, WEDNESDAY

HOSPICE HOUSE FOUNDATION OF WNC

PEACEFUL JOURNEY
3rd annual charity dining event
hosted by RISTORANTE PAOLETTI at 440 Main Street in Highlands

For information, visit http://hhfwnc.org/peaceful-journey/


National Alliance on Mental Illness
Appalachian South

Meets each Thursday at 7pm
The First Methodist Church Outreach Center
at the intersection of Harrison Ave. and West Main Street
(directly across from Lazy Hiker Brewery)

Come join our weekly support group for anyone suffering from mental illness and their family or friends. This includes Depression, Bipolar,8chizophrenia, PTSD, Substance Abuse, Etc.

Here you will find:
— others living with mental health challenges YOU ARE NOT ALONE
- learn coping skills and ?find hope in shared experience
- help learning how to break down stigma and guilt surrounding mental health
- how to live life with the expectation of a better a better future

Kay (706)970-9987 Denise (828)347-5000)

SYRINGE EXCHANGE PROGRAM

On January 1, 2017, the Syringe Exchange Program of Franklin began operating a comprehensive harm reduction program to address the opioid epidemic that is impacting western NC. Opioid overdose reversal kits including naloxone are available free of charge. If you have any questions about our services or if you know someone interested in volunteering, please contact Stephanie Almeida at 828-475-1920.



Sun and Moon

Sun

Begin civil twilight 6:38 a.m.
Sunrise 7:04 a.m.
Sun transit 1:34 p.m.
Sunset 8:04 p.m.
End civil twilight 8:30 p.m.

Moon

Moonset 12:30 a.m.
Moonrise 2:34 p.m.
Moon transit 7:53 p.m.
Moonset 1:10 a.m. on following day


Phase of the Moon on August 29, 2017: First Quarter at 4:13 a.m.




Sky Guides for this week

Sky and Telescope Magazine 
Astronomy Magazine


Earth Sky has an article on the eclipses of 2017. [LINK]

Heavens Above has an Android App that will assist you in observing the sky and even has a satellite tracker that will let you know when the International Space Station and dozens of other satellites are overhead. [LINK]

Stellarium is also an app that will assist you in observing the sky. It is available in both Android [LINK] and iOS versions. [LINK]

CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month.

If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only. Macon Media rewards early sponsors/underwriters with lifetime guaranteed low rates while newer sponsors/underwriters pay higher rates based on the date they first support Macon Media.

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online. You have made it possible for Macon Media to begin purchasing state of the art equipment and begin work on building a real website with features not employed by any local news outlets.

You can find out more information on how to do that and some of what I plan to accomplish if I reach certain levels of funding at https://www.patreon.com/MaconMedia

Published at 3:50 am on August 29, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

Data and information sources: Sources (except where otherwise credited): heavens-above.com, Ian Webster's Github, National Centers for Environmental Prediction, The National Weather Service, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, Penn State University Electronic Wall Map, The State Climate Office of North Carolina, Storm Prediction Center, U.S. Naval Observatory, and the Weather Prediction Center. 

Monday, August 28, 2017

Daily Weather Briefing for Monday, August 28, 2017




First Day of School

Today is the first day of school for most Macon County children, so please be on the lookout for school buses between now and the end of the school year. Macon Media has posted some graphics to help motorists know when they should stop for school buses and other safety tips to follow during the coming school year on the blog at http://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/2017/08/back-to-school-safety-tips-for-2017.html

LOCAL OUTLOOK

High pressure over the Eastern Seaboard will keep our area cooler than normal over the next several days. Low pressure will track northeast along the Carolina coasts today through Tuesday and may develop into a tropical storm. A cold front will drop south into the area on Wednesday and stall out, lingering through the end of the week.


WEATHER SPONSOR



Adams Products, a Division of Oldcastle is underwriting the daily weather briefing and public safety updates for the month. They have all your masonry products (block, mortars, tools), plus feature Belgrade Pavers and Sakrete Products. Open 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, M-F, located at 895 Hickory Knoll Road, Franklin, NC.

Visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Adams.Oldcastle.Franklin.NC/

Their phone number is 828.524.8545, all are welcome, let them help you with your next project.


DAY SPONSOR

Carrion Tree Service is underwriting the daily weather briefing and public safety updates for today. they are a fully licensed and insured tree service, specializing in dangerous tree removal, view clearing, pruning, and crane services with a 24 Hour emergency response. 

Their phone number is 371-4718. They are located at 120 Depot Street.

They can handle all your tree removal needs in good or bad weather.



Weather Almanac for August 28th (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 94°F in Franklin in 1948
Lowest Temperature 44°F in Franklin in 1968
Greatest Rainfall 3.06 inches in Highlands in 1949


Record weather events for August in Macon County

Highest Temperature 99°F in Franklin on Aug 9, 1980
Lowest Temperature 40°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station on Aug 29, 1968
Greatest Rainfall 9.68 inches in Highlands on Aug 13, 1940


THREE DAY OUTLOOK



TODAY

Patchy fog in the morning. Mostly cloudy with highs in the Franklin area near 80 and 5 to 10 degrees cooler in Highlands and the higher elevations. Calm winds early, the from the northeast by mid-morning.


TONIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows in the Franklin area near the upper 50s and 5 to 8 degrees cooler in the Highlands area and the higher elevations. Light winds out of the northeast.



TUESDAY

Partly sunny with highs in the Franklin area in the lower 80s and variable light winds. Slight chance of rain.

TUESDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows in the lower 60s and a slight chance of rain.



WEDNESDAY

Mostly cloudy with highs near 80. Calm winds in the morning, then from the southwest in the afternoon. 30% chance of rain.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows in the lower 60s. 40% chance of rain.

HAZARDS

Hazardous weather is not expected today.

As always, you can check to see what advisories, watches, and warnings are in effect for Macon County by visiting http://is.gd/MACONWARN



TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK


Tropical Weather Outlook
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
200 AM EDT Mon Aug 28 2017

For the North Atlantic...The Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico:

The National Hurricane Center is issuing advisories on Tropical Storm Harvey, located near Matagorda Bay, Texas.

The National Hurricane Center is issuing advisories on Potential Tropical Cyclone Ten, located off the southeast U.S. coast.

* Formation chance through 48 hours...high...90 percent.
* Formation chance through 5 days...high...90 percent.

1. A tropical wave located near the coast of western Africa is producing a large area of showers and thunderstorms. Environmental conditions are forecast to be conducive for gradual development of this system while it moves westward at 15 to 20 mph over the tropical Atlantic during the next several days.

* Formation chance through 48 hours...low...10 percent.
* Formation chance through 5 days...medium...50 percent.




Tropical Storm Harvey Discussion Number
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL092017
1000 PM CDT Sun Aug 27 2017

The unprecedented flooding rainfall event continues to unfold over much of southeastern Texas. Harvey has been moving slowly east-southeastward during the past few hours, and heavy rainbands continue to form over the northwestern Gulf and train inland over much of the upper Texas coast and southwestern Louisiana. Storm total rainfall amounts in the 20-27 inch range have been observed across much of the Greater Houston area, and additional rainfall amounts of 15 to 25 inches are expected over the next several days. Rainfall totals could reach 50 inches in some locations, which would be historic for that area.

There haven't been any observations of sustained 34-kt winds over land for the past few hours, but the initial intensity remains 35 kt based on the assumption that higher winds are occuring over water, likely in rainbands. The track guidance continues to show Harvey moving just offshore of the Texas coast on Monday, then turning northward and moving inland over northeastern Texas in 48 to 72 hours. All of the global models show some slight deepening ofthe system after it moves over water, but given the lack of an inner core, significant strengthening is not anticipated. The new NHC track and intensity forecasts are similar to those from the previous advisory.

Although the tropical storm warning has been expanded, and may need to be extended eastward along the upper Texas and southwest Louisiana coasts tomorrow morning, heavy rainfall and life-threatening flooding continue to be the primary threats.

Key Messages:

1. Ongoing catastrophic and life-threatening flooding will continue across southeastern Texas. Additional rainfall accumulations of 15 to 25 inches are expected across the upper Texas coast, with isolated storm totals as high as 50 inches. Please heed the advice of local officials. Do not attempt to travel if you are in a safe place, and do not drive into flooded roadways. Refer to products from your local National Weather Service office and the NOAA Weather Prediction Center for more information on the flooding hazard. A summary of rainfall totals compiled by the Weather Prediction Center can be found at: www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/discussions/nfdscc1.html

2. The flood threat is spreading farther east into Louisiana. Additional rainfall amounts of 15 to 25 inches are expected in southwestern Louisiana, with rainfall amounts of 5 to 15 inches expected in south-central Louisiana. Please heed the advice of local officials and refer to products from your local National Weather Service office and the NOAA Weather Prediction Center for more information on the flooding hazard in these areas.

FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS

INIT 28/0300Z 28.8N 96.6W 35 KT 40 MPH...INLAND
12H 28/1200Z 28.6N 96.4W 35 KT 40 MPH...NEAR THE COAST
24H 29/0000Z 28.3N 96.0W 40 KT 45 MPH...OVER WATER
36H 29/1200Z 28.4N 95.7W 40 KT 45 MPH...OVER WATER
48H 30/0000Z 28.8N 95.3W 40 KT 45 MPH...OVER WATER
72H 31/0000Z 30.5N 94.8W 35 KT 40 MPH...INLAND
96H 01/0000Z 32.3N 93.9W 30 KT 35 MPH...INLAND
120H 02/0000Z 34.0N 92.5W 25 KT 30 MPH...INLAND

MACON CALENDAR

If you have an event you wish to be added to this calendar, please send the information, along with a flyer in pdf format or a high-quality photo, to editor@maconmedia.com. If you want text published, please include a paragraph with your photo, flyer or graphic. Please include date(s) and time(s).
There is no charge for civic, educational or nonprofit groups, except for groups or events that receive funding from the TDA, TDC, and EDC, where full rates apply.


September 27th, WEDNESDAY

HOSPICE HOUSE FOUNDATION OF WNC

PEACEFUL JOURNEY
3rd annual charity dining event
hosted by RISTORANTE PAOLETTI at 440 Main Street in Highlands

For information, visit http://hhfwnc.org/peaceful-journey/


National Alliance on Mental Illness
Appalachian South

Meets each Thursday at 7pm
The First Methodist Church Outreach Center
at the intersection of Harrison Ave. and West Main Street
(directly across from Lazy Hiker Brewery)

Come join our weekly support group for anyone suffering from mental illness and their family or friends. This includes Depression, Bipolar,8chizophrenia, PTSD, Substance Abuse, Etc.

Here you will find:
— others living with mental health challenges YOU ARE NOT ALONE
- learn coping skills and ?find hope in shared experience
- help learning how to break down stigma and guilt surrounding mental health
- how to live life with the expectation of a better a better future

Kay (706)970-9987 Denise (828)347-5000)

SYRINGE EXCHANGE PROGRAM

On January 1, 2017, the Syringe Exchange Program of Franklin began operating a comprehensive harm reduction program to address the opioid epidemic that is impacting western NC. Opioid overdose reversal kits including naloxone are available free of charge. If you have any questions about our services or if you know someone interested in volunteering, please contact Stephanie Almeida at 828-475-1920.



Sun and Moon

Sun

Begin civil twilight 6:37 a.m.
Sunrise 7:03 a.m.
Sun transit 1:35 p.m.
Sunset 8:05 p.m.
End civil twilight 8:31 p.m.

Moon

Moonrise 1:40 p.m.
Moon transit 7:07 p.m.
Moonset 12:30 a.m. tomorrow

Phase of the Moon on August 28, 2017: Waxing Crescent with 44% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
Closest Primary Moon Phase: First Quarter on August 29, 2017 at 4:13 a.m. (local daylight time)




Sky Guides for this week

Sky and Telescope Magazine 
Astronomy Magazine


Earth Sky has an article on the eclipses of 2017. [LINK]

Heavens Above has an Android App that will assist you in observing the sky and even has a satellite tracker that will let you know when the International Space Station and dozens of other satellites are overhead. [LINK]

Stellarium is also an app that will assist you in observing the sky. It is available in both Android [LINK] and iOS versions. [LINK]

CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month.

If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only. Macon Media rewards early sponsors/underwriters with lifetime guaranteed low rates while newer sponsors/underwriters pay higher rates based on the date they first support Macon Media.

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online. You have made it possible for Macon Media to begin purchasing state of the art equipment and begin work on building a real website with features not employed by any local news outlets.

You can find out more information on how to do that and some of what I plan to accomplish if I reach certain levels of funding at https://www.patreon.com/MaconMedia

Published at 4:45 am on August 28, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

Data and information sources: Sources (except where otherwise credited): heavens-above.com, Ian Webster's Github, National Centers for Environmental Prediction, The National Weather Service, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, Penn State University Electronic Wall Map, The State Climate Office of North Carolina, Storm Prediction Center, U.S. Naval Observatory, and the Weather Prediction Center.