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About

Friday, March 31, 2017

The Piggies of Spring

This is just a silly post celebrating the annual demise of Old Man Winter.




Daily Weather Briefing for Friday, March 31, 2017




NATIONAL OVERVIEW

...Severe thunderstorm potential today for the mid-Atlantic Seaboard...

...Heavy snow likely for the Northern/Central Rockies, Great Basin and Wasatchs...

...A wintry mix of rain, snow, and ice is expected for the Northeast today and tomorrow...

...Severe thunderstorms are possible across portions of Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas tonight and tomorrow...

A strong area of low pressure and associated surface frontal features will continue its eastward progression today across the Mid Atlantic and Southeast. The cold front is expected to reach the Atlantic Seaboard by this evening. Until then, expect continued precipitation along and ahead of the cold front, affecting much of the East Coast. Rainfall will once again be heavy at times, and thunderstorms may also occur. The Storm Prediction Center has outlined portions of Southeast Virginia and the Eastern Carolinas in a slight risk for severe weather today for any storms which do develop. The main threats will be damaging winds and large hail. Please refer to the SPC's Convective Outlooks for more information. http://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/

Meanwhile, on the northeast side of this system, moisture flux from the Atlantic Ocean inland will combine with a colder airmass pushing southward from eastern Canada. This will result in a mixture of rain, snow, and ice across much of the Northeast today and tonight, before changing over to mainly snow Saturday, then tapering off by Sunday. Winter Weather Advisories and Winter Storm Warnings are in effect for a large portion of the northeast.

Attention then shifts to the western U.S., where an elongated cold front is currently moving eastward along the western fringe of the Rockies. Expect this system to split as it moves over and east of the Rockies today, with one section moving into the north-central U.S., and another into the south-central U.S. Rain and higher elevation snow will remain in place across much of the Rockies and western portions of the Northern and Central Plains today through Saturday, as the south-central portion of the system strengthens and allows moisture flow into the region. Winter Weather Advisories and Winter Storm Warnings are in effect for portions of the Northern and Central Rockies for snow potential.

This low pressure system will slowly track eastward across the southern Plains over the next couple of days. By tonight, the pull of warm and unstable air from the Gulf of Mexico will interact with the associated cold front to produce yet another round of thunderstorms across this region, persisting through the weekend. The Storm Prediction Center has outlined a portion of the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles, northward into Western and Central Kansas, as being in a slight risk for severe thunderstorms, mainly for tonight. West-Central Texas will be under a slight risk during the day Saturday. The threat is expected to increase along the Gulf Coast by Sunday as the system pushes eastward towards this region.

LOCAL OUTLOOK

A cold front will pass through the region early today. Dry and warm high pressure builds in over the weekend... with unsettled weather returning early next week.

Weather Almanac for March 31st (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 82°F in Franklin in 1963
Lowest Temperature 13°F in Franklin in 1964
Greatest Rainfall 2.37 inches in Highlands in 1976
Greatest Snowfall 0.2 inches in Highlands in 1966



THREE DAY OUTLOOK




TODAY

Patchy fog early. Mostly cloudy with highs near the mid to upper 60s. Winds start out coming out of the southwest, shifting to come out of the northwest before noon. It will be breezy, with wind gusts in the 20 mph range. Rain is expected to end by noon with rainfall amounts of less than a quarter of an inch expected.


TONIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows near the mid 40s and winds out of the northwest.



SATURDAY

Sunny with highs near the lower 70s and winds out of the northwest.

SATURDAY NIGHT

Mostly clear with lows near the lower 40s and winds out of the northwest becoming calm before midnight.



SUNDAY

Sunny with highs near the mid 70s.

SUNDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows near 50.


HAZARDS

No hazardous weather 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


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
There is no charge for civic, educational or non profit groups.

BIRDWALK on APRIL 1st

John and Cathy Sill will lead a bird walk on the Greenway. Meet at the Macon County Public Library parking area at 9:00 am.

BUILDING A RECOVERY COMMUNITY

APRIL 6th at 6 pm in the Drake Education Center at 210 Phillips Street

Donald McDonald will be the main speaker.
For more information, contact Kay 706-970-9987 or Perry 828-200-3000




2016 FIRE SIZE PRESENTATION

The United States Forest Service will be making a presentation will cover the organization of suppression resources, cooperative efforts, suppression repair activities and future Forest Service restoration activities at Tartan Hall on April 6th.

More information is on the blog at http://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/2017/03/2016-fire-size-presentation-scheduled.html


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 effecting 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.





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.

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 4:20 am on March 31, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

Thursday, March 30, 2017

Accident on US-441 Near Highlands Exit Causing Traffic Detour This Morning

**9:56 am** Franklin Fire Department reports the road has been opened for traffic again.

Photo supplied by a reader
Photo supplied by a reader. It has been cropped by Macon Media. Click the image to embiggen to a larger size.

A box truck carrying produce overturned on US-441 near the overpass at the Highlands exit shortly after 8:30 am this morning. Westbound traffic is being directed off the Highlands Road Exit and back on US-441 after crossing the Highlands Road. If you can detour around this location, it would help with the congestion.

Franklin Fire Department, Macon County EMS, the Franklin Police Department, Macon County Sheriff Office and the NC Highway Patrol responded to the accident.

The driver only suffered minor injuries.

Traffic will probably be clear sometime before noon today.




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.






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.

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 9:47 am on March 30, 2017



Daily Weather Briefing for Thursday, March 30, 2017




NATIONAL OVERVIEW

...Severe thunderstorm potential through Thursday over the Middle/Lower Mississippi and Tennessee Valleys...

...Heavy snow likely for the Northern/Central Rockies, Great Basin and Wasatchs...

...Heavy rain for portions of the Pacific Northwest and the Lower/Middle Mississippi Valley...

Widespread showers and thunderstorms are forecast for much of the central U.S as a robust low pressure system tracks across the Midwest and through the Tennessee/Ohio valley. The Storm Prediction Center has identified conditions favorable for continued support for severe thunderstorms development across the Middle/Lower Mississippi valley and western portions of the Tennessee valley today and Thursday. Additionally, some of these storms may produce heavy rainfall; which may increase the threat for flash flooding. Refer to SPC's Convective Outlooks and WPC's Excessive Rainfall Outlooks for specific details. This system is expected to reach the Appalachians/Mid-Atlantic region by Friday afternoon and will usher in showers and thunderstorms to much of the Eastern Seaboard. Snow may develop over parts of the Upper Great Lakes overnight Wednesday and into Thursday evening.

Upper-level energy over the Eastern Pacific will push onshore the West Coast by early Thursday morning; which will allow an upper-level low to develop over the Great Basin by Thursday evening. A stream of moist onshore flow will slowly weaken as it migrates southward to southern California. Rain and highest elevation snow is forecast for the Pacific Northwest into parts of the Northern Rockies this afternoon and evening -- spreading into the northern Great Basin and Central Rockies as snow levels lower by Thursday evening. Heavy snow will likely occur along the Northern/Central Rockies and the northern portion of the Great Basin.

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.

LOCAL OUTLOOK

A moist ridge of high pressure will build in from the north today before a cold front sweeps across the forecast area early Friday. Dry and warm high pressure moves in over the weekend... with unsettled weather returning early next week.

Weather Almanac for March 30th (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 83°F in Franklin in 1985
Lowest Temperature 8°F in Highlands in 1894
Great Rainfall 5.41 inches in Nantahala in 1975
Greatest Snowfall 2.5 inches in Highlands in 1915



THREE DAY OUTLOOK




TODAY

The day will start out partly clear with Increasing clouds, expected to become mostly cloudy before noon. Highs near the mid to upper 60s with variable winds coming from the south. Rain chances will steadily increase from 10% at 6 am to 60% at 6 pm. Thunderstorms are possible in the late afternoon. Rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch are expected, with more possible in locations that see thunderstorms.


TONIGHT

Rain with fog expected to develop after midnight and lows near the low to mid 50s. Winds out of the southeast. Near 100% chance of rain with thunderstorms possible and rainfall amounts between a half an inch and three quarters of an inch likely with more in locations that see thunderstorm activity.



FRIDAY

Foggy and mostly cloudy skies early, then becoming mostly sunny by the early to mid afternoon. Highs near the mid to upper 60s. Some locations may break 70 if the clouds clear early in the afternoon. Winds our of the south between 5 and 10 mph. Rain and thunderstorms likely, mostly before 10 am with rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch expected, more in locations that are hit by thunderstorms.

FRIDAY NIGHT

Partly cloudy with lows near the mid 40s and winds out of the northwest.



SATURDAY

Sunny with highs near the low to mid 70s and winds out of the northwest.

SATURDAY NIGHT

Mostly clear with lows near the mid 40s.


HAZARDS

No hazardous weather expected today. We may see some thunderstorm activity later tonight or in the morning. We will be seeing a lot of rain in a short period, so if you're out on the roadways during or shortly after, please be careful and watch for water ponding on the roadways. Hydroplaning will be possible. If severe thunderstorms become likely for Macon County, an update will be posted. I suspect the heaviest severe activity will be to our south and to our east. The time I am expecting the chances of thunderstorms to be highest is between 5 pm today and 7 am tomorrow morning, depending on how things play out to our west and if a cool wedge of air to our north can protect us.

The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather outlook for our region that includes Macon County. The full text is posted below:

Thunderstorms are expected to develop this afternoon across the region. The coverage and intensity of the thunderstorms will likely be highest across northeast Georgia and Upstate South Carolina, especially locations southeast of Interstate 85. The thunderstorms will likely struggle this afternoon farther north as a more stable wedge of cool air will set up closer to the Interstate 40 corridor. Cloud to ground lightning strikes and occasionally heavy rain will be the main threats with any afternoon thunderstorms in northern tier sections. Large hail and damaging wind gusts will be more likely in southern tier sections, especially from Toccoa to Anderson to Union, and points south.

A more organized line of showers and thunderstorms will likely arrive from the west just after Midnight and sweep east through the Interstate 77 corridor during the early morning hours. These thunderstorms will be more likely to produce damaging winds, though large hail and an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out across the region. Locally heavy rain is possible as well, especially near the southern and eastern parts of the mountains.



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


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
There is no charge for civic, educational or non profit groups.

BIRDWALK on APRIL 1st

John and Cathy Sill will lead a bird walk on the Greenway. Meet at the Macon County Public Library parking area at 9:00 am.

BUILDING A RECOVERY COMMUNITY

APRIL 6th at 6 pm in the Drake Education Center at 210 Phillips Street

Donald McDonald will be the main speaker.
For more information, contact Kay 706-970-9987 or Perry 828-200-3000




2016 FIRE SIZE PRESENTATION

The United States Forest Service will be making a presentation will cover the organization of suppression resources, cooperative efforts, suppression repair activities and future Forest Service restoration activities at Tartan Hall on April 6th.

More information is on the blog at http://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/2017/03/2016-fire-size-presentation-scheduled.html

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 effecting 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.





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.

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 4:48 am on March 30, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

A Look Back at the Inaugural Vietnam Veterans Day in Franklin



The inaugural Vietnam Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony occurred eight years ago in Franklin, NC on March 29, 2009. Below is video coverage of the parade and ceremony.





The Parade from Main Street



The Parade from Back Street, aka Palmer Street



The Ceremony




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.


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.

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 6:02 pm on March 29, 2017



Daily Weather Briefing for Wednesday, March 29, 2017




NATIONAL OVERVIEW

...There is as slight risk of severe thunderstorms over the Middle/Lower Mississippi Valleys...

...Heavy snow likely for the Cascades and the Northern Rockies/Great Basin...

...Heavy rain possible over parts of the Pacific Northwest and the Lower/Middle Mississippi Valley...

Low pressure over the Southern Plains will slowly move northeastward to the Middle Mississippi Valley/Western Ohio Valley by Thursday evening. The storm will produce showers and thunderstorms over parts of the Central/Southern Plains and Middle Mississippi Valley into parts of the Southern High Plains that will move eastward to the Ohio Valley/Tennessee Valley and Central Gulf Coast by Thursday evening. Showers and thunderstorms will also develop over parts of the Central/Southern Appalachians and the Southeast on Thursday afternoon into Thursday evening. In addition, rain will develop over parts of the Middle Missouri Valley on Wednesday morning and expand into parts of the Upper Great Lakes by Wednesday evening. By Thursday rain will move into the Great Lakes and into parts of the Northern Appalachians by Thursday evening.

Much of the Pacific Northwest will have widespread precipitation thanks to onshore flow along with multiple upper-level disturbances. Rain and higher elevation snow is forecast from Washington to northern California and east through the Great Basin and the Intermountain West Coastal areas will likely have periods of heavier rainfall intensity. The northern Cascades and sections of the Central Rockies will likely have heavy snow over the next few days.

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.

LOCAL OUTLOOK

Dry high pressure will build south from eastern Canada along the east coast today. Moisture will gradually return on Thursday, with abundant moisture in place by Friday as a strong low pressure system moves east from the Mississippi River Valley. Drier weather will return for the weekend with unsettled weather returning early next week.

Weather Almanac for March 29th (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 79°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 2007
Lowest Temperature 11°F in Franklin in 1982
Great Rainfall 6.43 inches in Highlands in 1898
Greatest Snowfall There has been no recorded snowfall on this date



THREE DAY OUTLOOK




TODAY

Patchy fog early. Cloudy with decreasing clouds. It should be mostly or partly sunny by noon. Highs will be in the mid 70s and variable light winds.


TONIGHT

Partly cloudy with lows near 50 and calm winds.



THURSDAY

Mostly cloudy with highs near the mid to upper 60s and winds out of the southeast. Increased chances of rain, mainly after noon with rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch expected.

THURSDAY NIGHT

Cloudy with lows near the low to mid 50s and winds out of the southeast. Rain is expected, mainly after 10 pm with rainfall amounts expected to exceed a quarter of an inch.



FRIDAY

Cloudy with highs near the upper 60s with showers and thunderstorms expected.

FRIDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows in the upper 40s. Rain is expected to be mostly over by 8 pm.


HAZARDS

No hazardous weather 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


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
There is no charge for civic, educational or non profit groups.

BIRDWALK on APRIL 1st

John and Cathy Sill will lead a bird walk on the Greenway. Meet at the Macon County Public Library parking area at 9:00 am.

BUILDING A RECOVERY COMMUNITY

APRIL 6th at 6 pm in the Drake Education Center at 210 Phillips Street

Donald McDonald will be the main speaker.
For more information, contact Kay 706-970-9987 or Perry 828-200-3000




2016 FIRE SIZE PRESENTATION

The United States Forest Service will be making a presentation will cover the organization of suppression resources, cooperative efforts, suppression repair activities and future Forest Service restoration activities at Tartan Hall on April 6th.

More information is on the blog at http://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/2017/03/2016-fire-size-presentation-scheduled.html


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 effecting 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.





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.

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 4:31 am on March 29, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

2016 Fire Size Presentation Scheduled for April 6th, 2017

Photo of the Camp Branch Fire taken on Nov 26th in 2016

PRESS RELEASE
National Forests in North Carolina
160A Zillicoa St.
Asheville, N.C. 28801
Web: www.fs.usda.gov/nfsnc


FRANKLIN, N.C. - March 28, 2017 -- The US Forest Service will provide a program which summarizes last fall's fires on the Nantahala Ranger District. The presentation will cover the organization of suppression resources, cooperative efforts, suppression repair activities and future Forest Service restoration activities. A question and answer session will follow the presentation. The presentation will be held at the Tartan Hall, First Presbyterian Church, Franklin, NC at 6:30 p.m., Thursday April 6, 2017.

Follow the National Forests in North Carolina on Facebook (www.facebook.com/nfsnc) or Twitter (twitter.com/NFsNCarolina) for more news and features.

--END PRESS RELEASE--


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.



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.

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 6:35 pm on March 28, 2017



2017 Pinwheels for Prevention Campaign







Press Release — For Immediate Release

it’s the time of year when brightly colored pinwheels are popping up all around town reminding us that everyone deserves a childhood with carefree moments and hope fora bright and happy tomorrow. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and KIDS Place has once again partnered with local businesses. churches and individuals to call attention to the role everyone must tale In helping to prevent child abuse.

Pinwheels for Prevention is a nationwide campaign, created by Prevent Child Abuse America. The goal of this campaign is to engage people In taking extraordinary ordinary actions that can reduce stress for families and increase resilience for children and youth. Simple, everyday actions can make a big difference to children and youth. When you reach out to someone being bulled, volunteer at a local child-serving agency, or donate to programs that help children and families, you are doing something extraordinary.

As a local member of Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina, KIDS Place has taken the lead in planting pinwheel gardens in Macon County. This year. KIDS Place has already partnered with 72 host sites to plant pinwheels. Altogether, more than 2,500 pinwheels will be on display in Macon County during the month of April. When you see these pinwheels, please tale a moment to say thank you to the host site far taking part In this year's campaign and remember the children, youth and families who are Impacted by abuse.

In addition to hundreds of pinwheels on display, KIDS Place will be placing royal blue bows on all the posts in downtown Franklin In honor of children and families and those who work tirelessly to keep them safe.

Child abuse and neglect costs tax payers billions annually in direct costs for child protective services, foster care services, hospitalization, mental health treatment and law enforcement intervention. tong-term costs for child victims of abuse include loss of productivity, as well as expenditures related to chronic health problems. special education and criminal justice services. The majority of child abuse cases stem from situations and conditions that are entirely preventable in an engaged and supportive community.

KIDS Place is a private. nonprofit, nationally accredited children‘s advocacy center. Services provided at KIDS Place Include victim’s advocacy, case coordination, child forensic interviews, child medical evaluations, multidisciplinary case review, and evidence-based, trauma-focused. mental health treatment. Translators are available when needed.

For information on preventing child abuse, visit the KIDS Place website at www.kidsplacecac.org or call KIDS Place at 818-524-3199 and ask about the different kinds of training KIDS Place can provide.


--END PRESS RELEASE--




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.



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.

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 11:35 am on March 28, 2017



Daily Weather Briefing for Tuesday, March 28, 2017




NATIONAL OVERVIEW

...Active weather pattern across the southern tier states with severe weather and heavy rainfall possible...

A stormy weather pattern is expected across much of the central and southern Plains going into the middle of the work week. With a closed upper level low tracking eastward from the southern Rockies to the central Plains, along with an occluded surface low, expect shower and thunderstorm coverage to significantly increase across Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas by late Tuesday and especially into early Wednesday. Severe weather and heavy rainfall are likely with some of the thunderstorms that develop, and flash flooding will be possible where storms repeatedly form over the same areas.

Temperatures are expected to be above seasonal averages across much of the central and eastern U.S. ahead of the low pressure system over the Plains. It will also be rather humid for this time of the year from Texas to the Deep South, and some overnight lows near the Gulf Coast may remain at or above 70 degrees. Cooler than average temperatures are expected near the upper low across the Four-Corners region, with significant snowfall likely for the higher elevations of Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming. It will also remain colder than normal for much of New England, which should remain north of the frontal boundary.

Elsewhere across the continental U.S., expect additional rain and mountain snow to return to the Pacific Northwest as a Pacific front makes its way inland. Warm and dry conditions are expected to continue for the Florida peninsula through mid-week.

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.

LOCAL OUTLOOK

A cold front will approach from the northwest today and settle southeast of the area tonight into Wednesday. Drier weather will develop as high pressure builds southward from eastern Canada along the east coast. Moisture will gradually return on Thursday, with abundant moisture setting up by Friday as a strong low pressure system moves east from the Mississippi River Valley. Drier weather will return for the weekend.

Weather Almanac for March 28th (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 81°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 2007
Lowest Temperature 14°F in Franklin in 1982
Great Rainfall 2.64 inches in Highlands in 1898
Greatest Snowfall 2.3 inches in Highlands in 1893

THREE DAY OUTLOOK




TODAY

Patchy fog early. Mostly cloudy skies with highs near the low to mid 70s and winds out of the northwest. Rain should be mostly over by 8 am and isolated lingering showers gone by noon. Skies will become partly cloudy by the end of the day.


TONIGHT

Partly cloudy with patchy fog expected to develop after 3 am. Lows in the mid to upper 40s and winds out of the northwest calming before midnight.



WEDNESDAY

Patchy dense fog in the morning. Sunny with highs near the mid to upper 70s and variable light winds.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

Partly cloudy with lows near 50 and calm winds.



THURSDAY

Mostly cloud with highs near the mid 60s. Rain chances will be increased, mainly after noon.

THURSDAY NIGHT

Cloudy with lows near the lower 50s and rain likely, with the greatest chance after 9 pm.


HAZARDS

No hazardous weather 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


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
There is no charge for civic, educational or non profit groups.

BIRDWALK on APRIL 1st

John and Cathy Sill will lead a bird walk on the Greenway. Meet at the Macon County Public Library parking area at 9:00 am.

BUILDING A RECOVERY COMMUNITY

APRIL 6th at 6 pm in the Drake Education Center at 210 Phillips Street

Donald McDonald will be the main speaker.
For more information, contact Kay 706-970-9987 or Perry 828-200-3000





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 effecting 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.





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.

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 4:16 am on March 28, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

Monday, March 27, 2017

Daily Weather Briefing for Monday, March 27, 2017




NATIONAL OVERVIEW

...There is a slight risk of severe thunderstorms over portions of the Tennessee/Southern Ohio Valleys...

...Rain/freezing rain possible over parts of the Northeast...

...Heavy snow for the Cascades and Central Rockies...

...Heavy rain for parts of the Southern Plains...

A front extending from the Northeast to a wave of low pressure over the Middle/Lower Mississippi Valley then the boundary extending into the Southern Plains will move eastward to the Northeast/Northern Mid-Atlantic Coast trailing westward to the Southern Plains, while the wave of low pressure moves to the Mid-Atlantic by Tuesday evening. Showers and thunderstorms will develop along and ahead of the cold front over the Middle/Lower Mississippi Valley into parts of the Southern Plains that will move to the Mid-Atlantic/Southeast and westward across the Gulf Coast States by Tuesday evening. In addition, rain will develop over parts of the Northeast to the Central/Southern Appalachians that will move off most of the Northeast Coast overnight Monday. Also, rain/freezing rain and snow will develop over parts of the Northeast through late Monday night. Rain will return to the Northeast on Tuesday morning into Tuesday evening as the wave of low pressure moves into the Mid-Atlantic.

Meanwhile, an upper-level trough over the West Coast will form an upper-level low over the Central/Southern Rockies on Tuesday into Tuesday evening. Rain and higher elevation snow will develop over the Pacific Northwest and Northern/Central California into parts of the Great Basin/Northern Rockies that will move into the Central/Southern Rockies and parts of the Northern/Central High Plains by Tuesday morning. As the system moves into the Southern High Plains, showers and thunderstorms will develop over parts of the Southern High Plains that will expand into parts of the Central/Southern Plains by Tuesday evening. Rain and higher elevation snow will continue over parts of the Northern/Central High Plains and the Central/Southern Rockies on Tuesday into Tuesday night.

In the wake of the western storm, onshore flow will aid in producing rain and higher elevation snow over parts of the Pacific Northwest from overnight Monday into Tuesday evening.

LOCAL OUTLOOK

Moist southerly flow will linger over the southeast through Tuesday, with several rounds of showers and thunderstorms possible. Drier air will briefly return by the middle of the week as a cold front settles south of the area. Another low pressure system will bring moisture back to the southeast Thursday, increasing rain chances through late Friday.

Weather Almanac for March 27th (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 79°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 2007
Lowest Temperature 4°F in Highlands in 1894
Greatest Rainfall 3.34 inches at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1948
Greatest Snowfall 4.8 inches in Highlands in 1999

THREE DAY OUTLOOK




TODAY

Patchy fog in the morning. Mostly cloudy with highs near the lower 70s and calm winds in the morning, then winds from the south southwest 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. 40% chance of rain, with chances peaking in the late afternoon, along with a moderate chance of thunderstorms. Rainfall amounts are expected to be less than a tenth of an inch, with higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.


TONIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows in the lower 50s and winds out of the south. 60% chance of rain and thunderstorms, mainly after 2 am. Rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, with more possible in thunderstorms.



TUESDAY

Patchy fog early. Cloudy and rainy with highs in the lower 70s and winds starting the day out being light from the southwest, then shifting to come out of the west around 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. 60% chance of rain and thunderstorms with rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch expected.

TUESDAY NIGHT

Partly cloudy with lows near 50 and winds out of the northwest.



WEDNESDAY

Sunny with highs near the low to mid 70s.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

Partly cloudy with lows near 50.


HAZARDS

No hazardous weather expected today, outside the occasional spring thunderstorm.

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


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
There is no charge for civic, educational or non profit groups.


April 1 BIRD WALK ON GREENWAY

John and Cathy Sill will lead a bird walk on the Greenway. Meet at the Macon County Public Library parking area at 9:00 am.



BUILDING A RECOVERY COMMUNITY

APRIL 6th at 6 pm in the Drake Education Center at 210 Phillips Street

Donald McDonald will be the main speaker.
For more information, contact Kay 706-970-9987 or Perry 828-200-3000




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.

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 4:12 am on March 27, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

Sunday, March 26, 2017

Daily Weather Briefing for Sunday, March 26, 2017




NATIONAL OVERVIEW

...There is a slight risk of severe thunderstorms over portions of the Southern Plains...

...Heavy rain possible over parts of the Tennessee Valley...

...Rain/freezing rain possible over parts of the Upper Great Lakes and the Northeast...

An upper-level low over Middle Mississippi Valley/Western Ohio Valley will slowly weaken while moving northeastward to Maine by Monday evening. Showers and thunderstorms will develop along the Central Gulf Coast on Sunday morning that will expand northward into parts of the Ohio Valley by Sunday afternoon into Sunday evening. Showers and thunderstorms will be restricted to the Southern Appalachians by Monday morning, expanding into parts of the Central/Southern Appalachians by Monday evening. Rain will also develop over parts of the Upper/Middle Mississippi Valley and the Great Lakes/Ohio Valley as well as parts of the Northern Mid-Atlantic on Sunday morning that will move into parts of the Northeast by Sunday evening into Monday morning. The rain will wane over parts of the Western Ohio Valley/Upper Mississippi Valley overnight Sunday. In addition, rain/freezing rain will develop over parts of the Upper Great Lakes on Sunday morning and over parts of the Northeast on Sunday night into Monday morning. Snow will also develop over parts of Maine overnight Sunday into Monday and Monday evening.

Meanwhile, energy over the Southern/Central Rockies and High Plains will move northeastward to the Ohio Valley by Monday evening. The system will produce rain and higher elevation snow over parts of the Central Rockies on Sunday ending overnight Sunday. On Sunday afternoon into evening, showers and thunderstorms will develop over parts of the Central/Southern Plains that will move into parts of the Middle/Lower Mississippi Valley by Monday morning. The showers and thunderstorms will move into parts of the Ohio Valley/Tennessee Valley and parts of the Southeast by Monday evening.


Over the West Coast, a front will move onshore by Sunday evening continuing to move eastward to the Rockies by Monday evening. The storm will begin to produce rain and higher elevation snow over parts of the Pacific Northwest/Northern California that will expand inland to parts of the Northern Rockies by Sunday evening. The rain and higher elevation snow will move into parts of the Great Basin on Monday and into parts of the Central Rockies/Southwest on Monday afternoon into Monday evening. Behind the system, onshore flow will aid in producing coastal rain and higher elevation snow over parts of the Pacific Northwest/Northern California on Monday into Monday evening.

LOCAL OUTLOOK

Low pressure lifting from the Midwest to the Great Lakes will push a band of moisture into the region today. Deeper moisture and persistent southwesterly flow will then linger over our area through Tuesday, with several rounds of showers and thunderstorms possible. Drier air should briefly return by the middle of the week as a cold front settles south of the region. Another plains low pressure system will bring moisture back to the southeast Thursday through Friday as weak cold air damming develops east of the mountains.

Weather Almanac for March 26th (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 85°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 2007
Lowest Temperature 9°F in Highlands in 1894
Greatest Rainfall 3.20 inches in Nantahala in 1965
Greatest Snowfall 7.0 inches in Nantahala in 1971

THREE DAY OUTLOOK




TODAY

Patchy fog early. Mostly cloudy with highs near the mid to upper 60s and winds out of the south around 5 to 10 mph. Rainfall off and on during the day with rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch expected. Locations that are hit by thunderstorms, which are likely between 3 pm and 10 pm, will see more.


TONIGHT

Mostly cloudy with patchy fog expected overnight and lows near 50. Winds out of the southeast calming before midnight. Rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch is expected, with more in locations that see thunderstorm activity, which is expected to die down before midnight.



MONDAY

Mostly cloudy with highs in the lower 70s. Winds are expected to be calm in the morning, and out of the southwest between 5 and 10 mph in the afternoon. 40% chance of rain with rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except in locations that are impacted by thunderstorms.

MONDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows near the lower 50s and light winds out of the southwest. 50% chance of rain and thunderstorms.



TUESDAY

Partly sunny with highs near the lower 70s. 40% chance of rain and thunderstorms.

TUESDAY NIGHT

Partly cloudy with lows near 50.


HAZARDS

Thunderstorms are expected to form across the region today. The main concern is the usual lightning, gusty winds and brief downpours. The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for today and the full text is posted below:

Scattered thunderstorms will develop across the region today, mainly during the afternoon and early evening hours. Expect occasional cloud-to-ground lightning strikes, briefly gusty winds, and locally heavy rainfall with any thunderstorms.

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


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
There is no charge for civic, educational or non profit groups.

BUILDING A RECOVERY COMMUNITY
APRIL 6th at 6 pm in the Drake Education Center at 210 Phillips Street

Donald McDonald will be the main speaker.
For more information, contact Kay 706-970-9987 or Perry 828-200-3000







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.

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 5:20 am on March 26, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

Saturday, March 25, 2017

Daily Weather Briefing for Saturday, March 25, 2017




NATIONAL OVERVIEW

...There is a slight risk of severe thunderstorm over parts of the Lower/Middle Mississippi Valley/Central Gulf Coast/Tennessee Valley...

...Heavy rain possible over parts of the Tennessee Valley/Southern Appalachians...

...Rain/freezing rain possible over parts of the Upper Great Lakes and the Northeast...

An upper-level low over the Central/Southern Plains and Middle/Lower Mississippi Valley will move northeastward to parts of the Ohio Valley/Great Lakes while weakening by Sunday. Moisture from the Gulf of Mexico will stream northward into the Ohio Valley and pool along the associated stationary front into the Mid-Atlantic. Showers and thunderstorms will develop along and ahead of the cold front over the Middle/Lower Mississippi Valley that will move eastward to the Eastern Ohio Valley/Eastern Gulf Coast by Sunday. Rain will develop over parts of the Central Plains into the Great Lakes/Ohio Valley and the Northeast through Sunday. The rain will end over parts of the Central Plains by Saturday evening. As the rain moves into parts of the Northeast and Upper Great Lakes, rain/freezing rain will develop over parts of the areas Saturday night into Sunday evening.

Meanwhile, an upper-level trough over the West Coast will move eastward to the Plains by Sunday evening. The system will produce rain and higher elevation snow over parts of the Pacific Northwest/California eastward to parts of the Northern Rockies/Great Basin that will move into parts of the Central/Southern Rockies and the Northern High Plains by Sunday morning. In addition, the rain and higher elevation snow will come to an end over parts of the Pacific Northwest/California into the Northern Rockies/Great Basin overnight Saturday into Sunday morning. By Sunday afternoon, rain and higher elevation snow will begin again over parts of the Pacific Northwest/California into Sunday evening as additional upper-level energy moves onshore over the West.

Additionally, energy in the upper-level trough moving eastward across the Southwest/Southern Rockies will develop low pressure over the Southern High Plains overnight Saturday moving eastward to the Southern Plains by Sunday evening. The system will produce rain and higher elevation snow over parts of the Central Rockies/Central High Plains on Sunday morning. On Sunday afternoon into Sunday evening, showers and thunderstorms will develop over parts of the Southern/Central Plains.

LOCAL OUTLOOK

Moisture will gradually return to the region today around offshore Atlantic high pressure. Meanwhile, a low pressure system will lift from the southern plains to the Midwest and push a band of moisture toward the southern Appalachians. Deep moisture and persistent southwesterly flow will set up over the southeast Sunday through Tuesday with several rounds of showers and thunderstorms likely.
Drier air should return by the middle of next week.

Weather Almanac for March 25th (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 84°F in Highlands in 1929
Lowest Temperature 14°F in Franklin in 1956
Greatest Rainfall 3.14 inches in Highlands in 1901
Greatest Snowfall 5.5 inches in Highlands in 1971

THREE DAY OUTLOOK




TODAY

Patchy fog early. Cloudy with highs near the upper 60s. Light winds out of the southeast early, then increasing to 5 to 10 mph by midmorning.


TONIGHT

Lows near 50 and winds out of the southeast. Near 100% chance of rain, especially after midnight. Rainfall amounts between a quarter and half an inch expected.



SUNDAY

Cloudy and rainy with highs near the upper 60s and winds out of the south. Near 100% chance of rain with rainfall amounts between a quarter and half an inch of rainfall expected.

SUNDAY NIGHT

Rainy and cloudy with lows near 50 and winds out of the south. Rain is likely with rainfall amounts expected to be between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, with higher amounts possible in locations that are hit by thunderstorms.



MONDAY

Mostly cloudy with highs near the lower 70s. Calm winds early, then out of the southwest 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.

MONDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows near the lower 50s. 50% chance of rain showers.


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


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
There is no charge for civic, educational or non profit groups.


BENEFIT 4 BRITTANY & DIANE

TODAY! March 25 at 5 PM - 9 PM
at Cartoogechaye Elementary School

Learn more about it on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/1271875169584301/



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.

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 5:15 am on March 25, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

Friday, March 24, 2017

Daily Weather Briefing for Friday, March 24, 2017




NATIONAL OVERVIEW

...Severe weather possible for the Southern/Central High Plains and Lower Mississippi valley through Friday...

...Prime conditions for the spread of wildfires across the Southern/Central High Plains...

...Increasingly active and wet pattern for northern California up to the Pacific Northwest coast and east to the northern Great Basin/Intermountain West...

A robust surface low pressure system is currently moving into the Central Plains. This is resulting in a deep pull of warm moist unstable air from the Gulf of Mexico ahead of the system, with a strong cold front extending southward from the surface low providing ample lift. The combination of these two factors is providing the necessary fuel for rain and thunderstorms across much of the southern and Central Plains this afternoon evening, moving eastward into the Mississippi Valley by Friday. Some of these storms could be strong to severe, especially during the peak heating of the afternoon. The Storm Prediction Center has outlined a portion of the high plains in a Slight Risk area for severe weather through tonight, with damaging winds and large hail the main threats. This slight risk area shifts eastward, encompassing much of the southwestern Plains and Lower Mississippi Valley for Friday and Saturday. Please refer to the Storm Prediction Center website for more information.

Northeast of the low, a warm front will be the epicenter for widespread rain, possibly mixing with some wintry precipitation across the Great Lakes and Northeast over the next couple of days. Meanwhile, on the northwest side of the low pressure system, snow is expected to continue across the higher terrain of the Central Rockies tonight, before tapering off as the system progresses eastward during the day Friday. Winter Weather Advisories remain in effect through Friday morning for these areas. And on the west and southwest side of the cold front, strong winds are in place. This is coupling with a very dry airmass, creating favorable conditions for wildfires to rapidly spread -- numerous counties from southwest Wyoming southward to New Mexico and western Texas have high wind and red flag warnings in effect.

Across the west, a deep upper trough will spread moderate to locally heavy precipitation from coastal Central California northward to the Canadian border over the next couple of days, before moving inland. As usual, orographics will play a key role in placement of the more concentrated activity. The heaviest amounts may be across the Siskiyou and Shasta Ranges where the onshore flow and vertical motions will be strongest. Precipitation will primarily fall as rain, changing over to snow in the highest elevations. Locations above 5,000 feet in southern Washington and far northern California could see snow in excess of 8 inches tonight into tomorrow. A winter storm watch is in effect for the Sierra Nevadas where up to 2 feet of snow could fall on the highest peaks during this time.

LOCAL OUTLOOK

High pressure will move off the east coast today. A low pressure system emerging from the Great Plains over the weekend will bring moisture to the southeast Saturday through Sunday. Unsettled weather will continue through Tuesday as another low pressure system moves from the plains to the Ohio Valley, allowing Gulf of Mexico moisture to persist over the southeast.

Weather Almanac for March 24th (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 84°F in Highlands in 1929
Lowest Temperature 12°F in Highlands in 1915
Greatest Rainfall 4.35 inches in Highlands in 1917
Greatest Snowfall 5.0 inches in Highlands in 1983

Here is a look at the new traffic flow near the construction on the town bridge



THREE DAY OUTLOOK




TODAY

Partly sunny with highs near the upper 50s and winds out of the south 5 to 10 mph.


TONIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows in the upper 40s and winds out of the south 5 to 10 mph.



SATURDAY

Cloudy with highs in the lower 60s and winds out of the south 5 to 10 mph. 40% chance of rain, mainly after noon. Rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch expected.

SATURDAY NIGHT

Cloudy with lows near the upper 40s and lower 50s and winds out of the south southeast. 70% chance of rain.



SUNDAY

Cloudy with highs near the mid to upper 60s. Showers and thunderstorms expected.

SUNDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows near 50. 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


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
There is no charge for civic, educational or non profit groups.


BENEFIT 4 BRITTANY & DIANE

Saturday, March 25 at 5 PM - 9 PM
at Cartoogechaye Elementary School

Learn more about it on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/1271875169584301/



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.

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 3:49 am on March 24, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety