**UPDATE 3:25 am** The National Weather Service has issued a Special Weather Statement regarding the cold wave our area will be experiencing this week. You can read a copy of it on our Facebook Public Safety Page. [LINK]
Cold Wave Safety Briefing
In the coming week, this area will be experiencing a cold wave during which daytime temperatures will be close to 20 degrees below normal. Brisk northerly winds between 5 and 15 mph will combine with the very cold temperatures to produce dangerous wind chills through the week, especially across the higher elevations. Wind chills will drop to 5 to 15 degrees below zero across the higher elevations, near zero to 10 above zero in the lower elevations during the night through much of the week.
Very low relative humidity will increase the fire danger, especially on Tuesday. Please do not burn debris, brush piles or clear fields this week. Put those tasks off for a later time.
When venturing outside, remember to wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Wear a hat because much of your body heat can be lost from your head. Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves. Lastly, stay dry and out of the wind if possible.
Consider bringing any pets indoors and check on neighbors, elderly, and homeless. Take the necessary precautions to protect water pipes from the extreme cold.
LOCAL OUTLOOK
Strong cold high pressure will remain across the area through the week, keeping a very cold airmass entrenched over the eastern part of the nation. Temperatures will be close to 20 degrees below normal through the end of the weeK.
WEATHER SPONSOR
Adams Products, a Division of Oldcastle is underwriting the daily weather briefing & public safety updates for the month.
Open 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, M-F, located at 895 Hickory Knoll Road, Franklin, NC. Visit our Facebook page at:
All your masonry needs are available. Phone number is 828.524.8545, public is welcome, we’ll help with your with your next project.
Weather Almanac for December 31st (1872-2016)
Record weather events for this date in Macon County
Highest Temperature 78°F in Franklin in 1951
Lowest Temperature 2°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1983
Greatest Rainfall 4.34 inches in Highlands in 2012
Greatest One-Day Snowfall 3.0 inches in Franklin in 1963
Record weather events for December in Macon County
Highest Temperature 78°F in Franklin on Dec 31, 1951
Lowest Temperature -12°F in Highlands on Dec 30, 1917
Greatest Rainfall 6.00 inches in Highlands on Dec 14, 1901
Greatest One-Day Snowfall 12.0 inches in Franklin on Dec 21, 1876
All-time record weather events for Macon County
Highest Temperature 101°F in Franklin on Jul 29, 1952
Lowest Temperature -19°F in Highlands on Jan 21, 1985
Greatest Rainfall 21.15 inches in Highlands on Jul 29, 1879
Greatest One-Day Snowfall 25.5 inches at the Coweeta Experimental Station on Mar 13, 1993
THREE DAY OUTLOOK
TODAY
Mostly sunny early with increasing clouds. Highs ranging from the lower 20s at the higher elevations to the lower 30s in the lower elevations. Winds from the west at about 5 mph. A disturbance will be moving through the county this afternoon sometime between noon and 5 pm. There is a slight chance of rain and snow showers. Accumulations, if any, will be light because the relative humidity levels will be low, it may all evaporate before it hits the ground.
TONIGHT Cold Wave
Mostly cloudy with decreasing clouds. Lows ranging from the single digits in the higher elevations to around 15 or so in the lower elevations. Winds from the northwest around 5 mph.
NEW YEARS DAY Cold Wave. Wind chills below freezing
Sunny and windy. Highs ranging from the teens at the higher elevations to the mid-20s in the lower elevations. Wind chill values below zero in the higher elevations to the single digits in the lower elevations. Winds 10 to 15 mph out of the northwest.
MONDAY NIGHT Cold Wave and Dangerous Wind Chills
Clear with winds 10 to 15 mph out of the northwest. Lows ranging from a few degrees below zero at the higher elevations to the mid to upper single digits in the lower elevations. Wind chill values below zero at times. If you can avoid going outdoors, please do so.
TUESDAY Cold wave continues...Wind chills near zero in the morning
Sunny with highs ranging from the upper teens in the higher elevations to the upper 20s in the lower elevations.
TUESDAY NIGHT Cold Wave
Mostly clear. Lows ranging from near zero degrees in the higher elevations to near 10 degrees in the lower elevations.
HAZARDS
In case you haven't heard, there is a cold wave on the way. Over the next few days, temperatures will be at or below freezing for an extended period of time and wind chills will be below zero overnights and in the mornings. If you have elderly family, friends and neighbors, please check on them to make sure they are doing okay. Keep some extra blankets, flashlights, water, and food in your automobile.
The cold wave is expected to last most of the week and there is a slight possibility we may see a light snow at the end of it on Friday.
The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for a Cold Wave that is expected to impact our area from Sunday through the middle of next week. The information is posted below:
NWS Hazardous Weather Outlook
..SUNDAY...Cold wave possible. A very cold arctic air mass will move into the area Sunday and remain in place through the middle of the week. This will result in daily average temperatures up to 15 degrees below normal for several days in a row, creating the potential for prolonged dangerously cold conditions.
..MONDAY...Cold wave possible.
..TUESDAY...Cold wave likely. Dry air may also increase fire danger.
..WEDNESDAY...Cold wave possible. Dry air may also increase fire danger.
..THURSDAY...Cold wave possible.
..FRIDAY...Cold wave possible.
In light of the cold wave, here are some safety tips to keep in mind the next few days:
You can protect yourself and your household from the many hazards of a cold wave and winter conditions by planning ahead.
COLD WAVE PREPAREDNESS AND SAFETY
•As infrastructure could be affected, the following are additional items that may be considered:
•An alternate heat source with extra fuel. Ensure that there is proper ventilation. Never burn charcoal indoors.
•Keep a fire extinguisher on hand and make sure that the household knows how to use it.
•Prepare for possible isolation in your home. Keep a stock of food and extra drinking water.
WHAT TO DO DURING A COLD WAVE
•Stay indoors as much as possible.
•Listen to the radio, internet or television for weather reports and emergency information.
•Conserve fuel, if necessary, by temporarily closing off heat to some rooms.
•Eat to supply heat to the body and drink non-alcoholic beverages to avoid dehydration.
DRESS FOR THE COLD IF YOU MUST VENTURE OUTSIDE
•Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.
•Mittens are warmer than gloves.
•Cover your head as most body heat is lost through the top of the head.
•Cover your mouth to protect your lungs.
•Use caution when working outdoors. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack — a major cause of death in the winter.
•Watch for signs of frostbite: loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose.
•Watch for signs of hypothermia: uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion.
•If symptoms of hypothermia are detected, get the victim to a warm location and remove any wet clothing. If conscious, warm the center of the body first by giving warm, non-alcoholic beverages. Seek medical help as soon as possible.
DRIVING DURING A COLD WAVE AND WINTER CONDITIONS:
•About 70 percent of winter deaths related to snow and ice occur in automobiles. Consider public transportation if you must travel. If you travel by car, travel in the day, don’t travel alone, and keep others informed of your schedule. Stay on main roads; avoid back road shortcuts.
•Winterize your car. This includes checking the battery, antifreeze, wipers, windshield washer fluid, ignition system, thermostat, lights, flashing hazard lights, exhaust system, heater, brakes, defroster, oil level, and tires. Consider snow tires and keep your car’s gas tank full. Carry a basic vehicle emergency kit in the trunk of your vehicle.
If you get trapped in your car: (some of this would apply if we had snow, but are good things to keep in mind)
•Pull off the highway. Turn on hazard lights and hang a distress flag from the radio aerial or window.
•Remain in your vehicle where rescuers are most likely to find you. Do not set out on foot unless you can see a building close by where you know you can take shelter. Be careful: distances are distorted by blowing snow. A building may seem close but be too far to walk to in deep snow.
•Run the engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. When the engine is running, open a window slightly for ventilation. This will protect you from possible carbon monoxide poisoning. Periodically clear snow from the exhaust pipe.
•Exercise to maintain body heat, but avoid overexertion. In extreme cold, use road maps, seat covers and floor mats for insulation. Huddle with passengers and use your coat for a blanket.
•Take turns sleeping. One person should be awake at all times to look for rescue crews.
•Drink fluids to avoid dehydration.
•Be careful not to waste battery power. Balance electrical energy needs — the use of lights, heat, and radio — with supply.
•At night, turn on the inside light so work crews or rescuers can see you.
•If stranded in a remote area, spread a large cloth over the snow to attract the attention of rescue personnel who may be surveying the area by airplane.
Macon Media maintains a Severe Weather Preparedness Page at http://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/p/breaking-news-hub.html for those who are interested.
As always, you can check to see what advisories, watches, and warnings are in effect for Macon County by visiting http://is.gd/MACONWARN
GOES-16 ABI CONUS - 11.20 um (Rainfall)
Image Produced at 02:47 am
MACON CALENDAR
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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.
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 7:14 a.m.
Sunrise 7:42 a.m.
Sun transit 12:37 p.m.
Sunset 5:32 p.m.
End civil twilight 6:00 p.m.
Moon
Moonset 5:49 a.m.
Moonrise 4:27 p.m.
Moon transit 11:41 p.m.
Moonset 6:58 a.m. tomorrow morning
Phase of the Moon on December 31, 2017: Waxing Gibbous with 97% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
Closest Primary Moon Phase: Full Moon on January 1, 2018 at 9:24 p.m. (local standard 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
Posted at 3:04 am on December 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.
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