Weather Briefing for Sunday, March 30, 2025

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GENERAL OUTLOOK

Shower and thunderstorm chances increase today as cold front approaches from the west. The front will cross the area Monday, bringing the potential for strong to severe storms. Dry high pressure returns Tuesday, then becomes established off the East Coast, resulting in well above normal temperatures across the region late in the week.

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WEATHER SPONSOR

This space available

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DAY SPONSOR

This space available

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GENERAL FORECAST

(since this is a quick forecast intended to cover the whole county, bear in mind that higher elevations may experience cooler temperatures than this and the lower elevations may experience higher temperatures than those in the forecast)

.TODAY...Cloudy. Scattered showers this morning, then numerous showers this afternoon. Patchy fog. Visibility one quarter mile or less at times this morning. Highs in the lower 60s. Winds out of the south 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.
..TONIGHT...Numerous showers and scattered thunderstorms in the evening, then showers likely after midnight. Patchy fog. Visibility one quarter mile or less at times after midnight. Lows in the mid 50s. Winds out of the south 5 to 10 mph with gusts up to 25 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.
..MONDAY...Patchy fog in the morning. A chance of thunderstorms. Showers. Visibility one quarter mile or less at times in the morning. Highs in the mid 60s. Winds out of the southwest 5 to 10 mph with gusts up to 25 mph. Chance of rain near 100 percent.
..MONDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy with showers likely in the evening, then partly cloudy after midnight. Cooler with lows around 40. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph with gusts up to 25 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.
..TUESDAY...Sunny. Highs in the upper 60s. Winds out of the north 5 to 10 mph with gusts up to 25 mph, becoming southwest in the afternoon.
..TUESDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 40s.

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HAZARDOUS WEATHER

...AIR QUALITY ALERT IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT EDT TONIGHT...

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality in Raleigh NC has issued a Code Orange Air Quality Action Day for Fine Particulates for Buncombe, Haywood, Swain, Macon, and Rutherford Counties, until midnight EDT tonight.

An Air Quality Action Day means that Fine Particulates concentrations within the region may approach or exceed unhealthy standards.

A line of showers and thunderstorms associated with a cold front is expected to move across the area early Monday afternoon through early Monday evening. Some of these storms may be strong to severe with damaging winds and isolated tornadoes.

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NEWS UPDATES

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• Burn ban issued for all North Carolina counties due to hazardous forest fire conditions [Macon Media (Franklin, NC)]

• LIVE UPDATES (March 29): Swain County evacuations lift, Alarka Five containment increases [WLOS-TV (Asheville, NC)]

• How they voted: NC congressional votes for the week ending March 27 [WRAL-TV (Raleigh, NC) ]

• New on the Appalachian Trail: Rafts ferry hikers where Helene destroyed a bridge [Raleigh News and Observer]

• Helene 2024 FINAL REPORT (107-page PDF) [NOAA]

• Forecasted rain will help contain raging wildfires in western North Carolina [Asheville Citizen-Times]

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• Crowds Turn Out Across the U.S. for ‘Tesla Takedown’ Protests [Wired]

Israeli intelligence angry over Signal chat leak | Face the Nation



Why scientists warn against the US plans to let the bird flu virus spread unchecked | DW News



• Shouted questions at Trump have consequences: New actions by White House [The Hill]

• Myanmar quake death toll rises to 1,644 as resistance movement announces partial ceasefire [ AP News ]

• JD Vance's ominous pitch to Greenland [BBC News]

• Wisconsin attorney general sues to stop Musk's $1 million payments to voters [ UPI ]


• Bitcoin Price Wavers, Altcoins Plunge as Inflation Heats Up [Decrypt]


• Trump's 'sustained campaign of attacks on US universities & science will take years to recover from' [DW News]

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NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) Investigation Pages

• Learjet 55 Medevac Crash [1/31/2025 - Philadelphia, PA]

• Midair Collision PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 Airplane and Sikorsky H-60 Military Helicopter [1/29/2025 - Arlington, VA]

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Published at 5.00am on Friday, March 28, 2025
Author: Bobby Coggins

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Safety Information for Storm Event March 2025

 

SAFETY INFORMATION (03/14-15/2025)

A powerful storm system will impact the region this evening into tomorrow morning bringing heavy rain and severe storms. The main hazards with any severe storms that develop are damaging wind gusts and tornadoes. A strong tornado or two cannot be ruled out. Additionally, locally heavy rainfall may result in isolated flash flooding. The main threat to our area will be strong straight-line winds, downed powerlines, along with possible landslides and minor flooding.

An Open Thread has been published on Facebook [LINK] where safety information will be shared and the community will be given opportunities to ask questions and share what they are seeing. Macon Media's backup internet device is not working at this time, so if the power goes out, there will be no updates until power and internet services are restored.

• If you are out and about during the rain periods, please turn your headlights on so other people can see you.
• Make sure someone knows where you are going and when you expect to return.
• Stay off the roadways if they are flooded.
• Avoid going out and touring storm damage as this may act to get in the way of safety personnel. We have local news outlets that will be documenting storm damage and communicating safety messages to the public.

Following are some safety tips to consider in the coming days...

SAFETY TIPS AND HELPFUL NON-EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Remember to NEVER touch downed power lines.

Here is a Reminder of Helpful Phone Numbers:

Non-emergency reports: 369-9116
Highway Patrol Dispatch: 1-800-445-1772
Franklin Police: 524-2864
Highlands Police: 526-9431
Animal Control: 349-2106
Sheriff's Office: 349-2104

---Begin Sponor Segment---
STORM SPONSOR

Young Tree Service is sponsoring Macon Media during this storm event.
They provide complete tree care, are licensed and insured. Specializing in low ground impact. Danger tree removal. Crane Service, Pruning, Views, 24 hr emergency service. Call 828-421-0967 for more information.
---End Sponsor Segment---

HOW TO REPORT AN ELECTRICAL OUTAGE

Duke Energy

Call 800.769.3766 or in Spanish 866.4.Apagón (866.427.2466). If you see a fallen power line or safety hazard, call Duke Energy at 800.Power.On (800.769.3766) or in Spanish 866.4.Apagón (866.427.2466) or contact your local emergency services immediately. Do not touch a power line or anything in contact with it and keep others away until help arrives.

Haywood EMC
To report or inquire about power outages, call 1-800-951-6088

FLOOD SAFETY TIPS

• Evacuate immediately, if told to evacuate. Never drive around barricades. Local responders use them to safely direct traffic out of flooded areas.

• Contact your healthcare provider If you are sick and need medical attention. Wait for further care instructions and shelter in place, if possible. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.

• Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions regarding flooding.

• Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Turn Around. Don’t Drown!

• Stay off bridges over fast-moving water. Fast-moving water can wash bridges away without warning.

• Stay inside your car if it is trapped in rapidly moving water. Get on the roof if water is rising inside the car.

• Get to the highest level if trapped in a building. Only get on the roof if necessary and once there signal for help. Do not climb into a closed attic to avoid getting trapped by rising floodwater.

Learn more at https://www.ready.gov/floods

#WNCscan #MaconTraffic #MaconSafety  #MaconWx #MaconWeather

Published at 1.25pm on Saturday, March 15, 2025

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Severe Weather Coverage for Monday, August 07, 2023

An area of severe thunderstorms is approaching Macon County and will likely be here within an hour or so (3pm to 4pm or so). 

Please use caution if you are expecting to be on the road during this time period. Damaging winds are expected to be the main threat with these storms, but large hail and a couple of isolated tornadoes will be possible as well. Any thunderstorm will be capable of producing torrential downpours, gusty winds, and frequent cloud-to-ground lightning. 

 Macon Media has suspended plans to cover the town council meeting tonight in order to cover the impact of these storms in Macon County.

A liveblog will be posted below the sponsors section in reverse chronological order. 

An open thread will also be maintained on Facebbok [LINK] so that citizens can report or ask questions about conditions near them. 

Power Outage Contact Information and Tips 

 DUKE ENERGY Report an electrical outage‌ Report your outage by texting OUT to 57801, report online or call 800.POWERON (800.769.3766).

 HAYWOOD EMC In the event of a power interruption, members should report outages by calling (828) 452-2281. Members are also reminded to never go near downed power lines.

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---BEGIN SPONSOR SEGMENT---



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: https://www.facebook.com/Adams.Oldcastle.Franklin.NC

All your masonry needs are available. Our phone number is 828.524.8545, the public is welcome, we’ll help you with your next project.

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DAY SPONSOR

Young Tree Service is sponsoring Macon Media for today.

They provide complete tree care, are licensed and insured. Specializing in low ground impact. Danger tree removal. Crane Service, Pruning, Views, 24 hr emergency service. Call 828-421-0967 for more information.


LIVE BLOG 

(ITEMS POST IN REVERSE CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER, WITH THE NEWEST BEING TOP AND THE OLDEST ON THE BOTTOM)

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5.10pm

Otto VFD is responding to a report of a tree on fire and on powerlines near 500 Bell Road.

**5.03pm**

Unless further public safety calls are dispatched, Macon Media is ending coverage of this storm.

 

**4.48pm**

A disabled tractor-trailer is blocking one lane of traffic on Georgia Road (US-23/441) at the Subway. (Prentiss Bridge Road)

4.47pm

POWER OUTAGE REPORT

Macon 248 (28 outage locations)

Jackson 667

Swain 606

Haywood 2533

Cherokee 1363

Clay 4049

NC 17,425

TN 127,552

AL 30,530

GA 28,611

SC 9,390

4.39pm

Cullasaja Gorge VFD has been called out to block the road through the #CullasajaGorge due to multiple trees down in the gorge. Traffic will be diverted through Buck Creek Road.

4.36pm

Franklin-bound traffic is being diverted through Buck Creek. Please follow the directions of emergency personnel.

**4.27pm**

There is a report of a tree and powerlines down at 1031 Franklin Road near Mirror Lake. A detour through Mirror Lake Road is not possible due to more trees down.
Trees and powerlines are also down on Hicks Road. NCDOT is enroute.

**4.18pm**

The Severe Thunderstorm Warning for the northern portion of Macon County has been allowed to expire.

4.12pm

Unless more storms form behind this line, we are almost through this event relatively unscathed based on reports from other counties. Perhaps another half hour in the north, 45 minutes in the central area, and an hour or so on the Highlands Plateau. 

The next storm days could be on Wednesday and/or Thursday.

4.10pm

West Macon VFD is responding to a report of a tree on some powerlines on Grannys Road.

4.07PM

Here is a look at where most of the outages in Macon is so far. In Nantahala between White Oak Lane and where White Oak Creek crosses Wayah Road. 30 Duke Energy customers are out and no estimation of when power might be restored.

3.59

POWER OUTAGE REPORT

Macon 35 (5 outage locations)

Jackson 320

Swain 191

Haywood 1,439

Cherokee 814

NC 9,054

TN 117,745

AL 13935

GA 22,146

SC 11,502

3.55pm

The NC Highway Patrol reports a tree in the road blocking traffic on US-64 at Muskrat Road.

3.52pm

Jackson and Swain counties are reporting multiple trees down in the roadways. Please use caution if you plan to travel through those areas this afternoon or evening.

3.44pm (Central and Southern Macon County)

BULLETIN - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED 

Severe Thunderstorm Warning 

National Weather Service 

Greenville-Spartanburg SC 

339 PM EDT Mon Aug 7 2023

The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Northern Habersham County in northeastern Georgia... Rabun County in northeastern Georgia... Macon County in western North Carolina... South central Jackson County in western North Carolina... Northwestern Oconee County in Upstate South Carolina...

* Until 445 PM EDT.

* At 338 PM EDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from 5 miles east of Andrews to 3 miles northeast of Hiawassee to 4 miles southwest of Blairsville, moving east at 40 mph.

 HAZARD...70 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.

 SOURCE...Radar indicated.

 IMPACT...Minor hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect considerable tree damage. Wind damage is also likely to mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings.

* Locations impacted include... Franklin, Clayton, Highlands, Mountain City, Tiger, Dillard, Sky Valley, Cashiers, Tallulah Falls and Lake Burton.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 700 PM EDT for western North Carolina.

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.

Please report damaging winds, hail, or flooding to the National Weather Service by calling toll free, 1, 800, 2 6 7, 8 1 0 1, or by posting on our Facebook page, or Tweet it using hashtag nwsgsp. Your message should describe the event and the specific location where it occurred. 

3.42pm

The NC Highway Patrol has been called to a tree down in the roadway on US-23/441 at Scofield Road. This is near the top of Cowee Mountain.

3.40PM

The High Patrol has requested the NCDOT respond to clean an oil or fuel spill off the road an an accident at the US23/441 and Siler Road intersection in Franklin. (Walmart)

3.39PM

BULLETIN - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED 

Severe Thunderstorm Warning 

National Weather Service 

Greenville-Spartanburg SC 

334 PM EDT Mon Aug 7 2023

The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... West central McDowell County in western North Carolina... Northeastern Macon County in western North Carolina... Central Transylvania County in western North Carolina... Northern Henderson County in western North Carolina... Central Jackson County in western North Carolina... Madison County in western North Carolina... Central Mitchell County in western North Carolina... Haywood County in western North Carolina... Buncombe County in western North Carolina... Yancey County in western North Carolina...

* Until 415 PM EDT.

* At 334 PM EDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from 14 miles southwest of Marshall to 7 miles south of Waynesville to 9 miles south of Sylva, moving east at 50 mph.

 HAZARD...70 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.

 SOURCE...Radar indicated.

 IMPACT...Minor hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect considerable tree damage. Wind damage is also likely to mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings.

* Locations impacted include... Downtown Asheville, Brevard, Sylva, Waynesville, Burnsville, Marshall, East Asheville, Arden, West Asheville and North Asheville.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 700 PM EDT for western North Carolina. A Tornado Watch also remains in effect until 900 PM EDT for western North Carolina.

Prepare immediately for large hail and damaging winds. People outside should move immediately to shelter inside a strong building. Stay away from windows.

Please report damaging winds, hail, or flooding to the National Weather Service by calling toll free, 1, 800, 2 6 7, 8 1 0 1, or by posting on our Facebook page, or Tweet it using hashtag nwsgsp. Your message should describe the event and the specific location where it occurred.

3.32pm

A Reader reports a tree down on Lake Emory Rd near Nut House Drive.
Another reader reports pea-sized hail on First Street in Franklin.

3.30PM 

There is a report of an accident, tractor-trailer vs car, near the intersection of Sylva Road and Siler Road (this is likely in front of Walmart).

3.12pm

BULLETIN - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED

Severe Thunderstorm Warning

National Weather Service

Greenville-Spartanburg SC

305 PM EDT Mon Aug 7 2023

The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Northern Macon County in western North Carolina... Northern Jackson County in western North Carolina... Swain County in western North Carolina... Graham County in western North Carolina... Haywood County in western North Carolina...

* Until 345 PM EDT.

* At 305 PM EDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from 13 miles east of Gatlinburg to 7 miles west of Bryson City to 8 miles northwest of Andrews, moving east at 60 mph.

HAZARD...70 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Minor hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect considerable tree damage. Wind damage is also likely to mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings.

* Locations impacted include... Sylva, Waynesville, Bryson City, Robbinsville, Cherokee, Cullowhee, Lake Junaluska, Maggie Valley, Balsam and Webster.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 700 PM EDT for western North Carolina.

Prepare immediately for large hail and damaging winds. People outside should move immediately to shelter inside a strong building. Stay away from windows.

Please report damaging winds, hail, or flooding to the National Weather Service by calling toll free, 1, 800, 2 6 7, 8 1 0 1, or by posting on our Facebook page, or Tweet it using hashtag nwsgsp. Your message should describe the event and the specific location where it occurred.

3.08PM

SARS Significant Hail Percentage and Conditional Matches

The SARS method returns a maximum expected hail report by matching existing environmental conditions to historic severe hail cases. These forecast maximum sizes are conditional on severe hail of any size occurring. This graphic shows two items:

First, the color fill denotes the percent of matching analog soundings that had significant (2" diameter or larger) hail. Color fill starts at 50 percent.

Second, the contours denote the actual number of matching cases for each grid point. Percentiles for the number of matches are based on a set of about 1200 severe hail cases. For example, a grid point that has over 100 matches suggests a "common" severe hail environment, while a grid point with 5 matches would suggest severe hail is unlikely.

A high number of matches, combined with a high significant hail percentage would suggest significant hail is likely.

2.58

I have never seen such large numbers for our area. Let's hope and pray this is wrong.

SARS Hail Size

The SARS method returns a maximum expected hail report by matching existing environmental conditions to historic severe hail cases. These forecast maximum sizes are conditional on severe hail of any size occurring.

This graphic shows the "best guess" maximum hail report.

2.43pm

Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued for Graham and Swain Counties. Here is the RADAR image.

2.31pm

There has been an accident on US-441 at Hunnicut Lane. Unknown injuries. This is the Bojangles intersection. (car has left the scene)

**2.27pm**

A tractor-trailer has hydroplaned on NC-107 at Catamount Gap in Jackson County. A tank of some sort has broken loose.

2.23pm
Readers are reporting heavy rainfall, high winds, and hail in locations between Nantahala and Cartoogechaye. Hail size varies from pea-size to the size of a quarter. This is from a couple of cells that have formed in front of the main line, which is still in Tennessee.

1.39pm

Mesoscale Discussion 1883
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
1236 PM CDT Mon Aug 07 2023

Areas affected...Eastern Tennessee into far western North Carolina

Concerning...Tornado Watch 600...

Valid 071736Z - 071930Z

The severe weather threat for Tornado Watch 600 continues.

SUMMARY...The threat for tornadoes and severe/damaging winds will continue in eastern Tennessee into far western North Carolina.

DISCUSSION...Convection continues in eastern Tennessee this afternoon. The most organized portion of this activity is oriented roughly north-south from Crossville to north of Chattanooga. This linear segment shows strong velocities in the lowest 2 km on KOHX radar. Additional storms are trying to develop east of this activity as well. The environment will continue to support severe/damaging wind gusts as well as isolated large hail. The threat for tornadoes will also continue, perhaps mostly with line-embedded circulations. The 850 mb winds are expected to increase later today as the mid-level jet pivots through the region. This should act to increase what are currently modestly enlarged hodographs per area VAD data.

Read More

Severe Weather Preparedness Week 2021

Photo taken on June 15, 2017 by Bobby Coggins. [LINK]

We are approaching severe weather season in Macon County, and the National Weather Service has issued a Public Information Statement with some helpful advice on ways members of the community can receive information about impending severe weather events. There will also be a statewide tornado drill in North Carolina tomorrow at 9:30am. An alert will be sent out via all methods posted below. Macon Media will also be participating in the event and will relay the alert when it is posted. You are encouraged to have multiple methods of receiving alerts from the National Weather Service to increase your chances of receiving information in a timely manner that may save your life and the lives of those around you.


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: https://www.facebook.com/Adams.Oldcastle.Franklin.NC

All your masonry needs are available. Our phone number is 828.524.8545, the public is welcome, we’ll help you with your next project.


Public Information Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
744 AM EST Tue Mar 9 2021

...SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS WEEK IN NORTH CAROLINA IS MARCH 7TH THROUGH MARCH 13TH THIS YEAR...

Today's Topics: Ways to receive severe weather alerts, and information about tomorrow's Statewide Tornado Drill

One of the keys to staying safe during the severe weather season is making sure that you have a way to receive lifesaving severe weather watches and warnings. There are many methods and tools, some of which are available with no cost or fees, that you can use to receive these important lifesaving alerts no matter where you are - at home, at school, or at work. Here is a partial list of these methods and tools.

* NOAA Weather Radio: NWR is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information from the nearest National Weather Service office. Specially built receivers, which can be purchased at most electronics and large retail stores for less than $40, receive the NWR broadcast 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and sound an audible alert when official watches and warnings are issued for your area. Think of these radios as a "smoke detector" for severe weather alerts.

* Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA): With WEA, emergency alerts can be sent to your cell phone or mobile device when you may be in harm's way, without the need to download an app or subscribe to a service. In addition to other alert types such as AMBER Alerts, this free service will transmit extreme weather warnings to your cell phone, such as Tornado Warnings and Flash Flood Warnings for considerable or catastrophic flooding. The alerts will look like a text message, and will typically show the type and time of the alert, any action you should take. WEA messages include a special tone and vibration. If you receive a WEA message, you should follow any action advised by the emergency message. Seek more details from your favorite TV or radio station, NOAA Weather Radio, news website, desktop application, mobile application, or other trusted source of information.

* Cell phone apps: There are many great cell phone apps that provide real-time NWS warnings and alerts, some of which are free to download and use, and others that may charge a small fee. A simple search of your app provider will reveal many of these apps.

* Emergency Alert System (EAS) and your favorite TV and radio stations: EAS is the message dissemination pathway that sends warnings via broadcast, cable, satellite, and wireline services. EAS may be used by state and local authorities, including the National Weather Service, in cooperation with the broadcast community, to deliver important emergency information such as severe weather information, AMBER alerts, and local incident information targeted to specific areas. In short, when severe weather strikes, it's a good idea to tune to your favorite local TV or radio station or web site for detailed information about the severe weather threat.

In addition to the aforementioned alerting system, many communities also offer free emergency alert notifications through their own systems, such as reverse 911 phone systems. Be sure to check with your local emergency management agency to learn what is available in your area.

Tomorrow (Wednesday, March 10) at 9:30 AM, the National Weather Service in cooperation with local broadcasters will conduct a statewide tornado drill. The alarm test, which will come in the form of a Required Monthly Test, will activate the State Emergency Alert System and be carried by local radio broadcasters. Every school, business, and residence is encouraged to participate in this drill. It's really easy. At 9:30 AM on Wednesday, take a few moments to practice your severe weather safety plan, and seek shelter for a few minutes as if a tornado was headed your way. To help you prepare for this drill, be sure to visit the National Weather Service's severe weather preparedness website at http://www.weather.gov/gsp/swaw_2021 where you can learn more about seeking safe shelter when severe weather strikes. In addition, throughout the day Wednesday, the NWS will feature NOAA Weather Radio messages and social media posts that highlight severe weather safety tips.

Be sure to take some time this week to learn more about severe weather safety. Learning and practicing severe weather safety when the weather is good will allow you to react more quickly when the weather turns bad. You can learn more about severe weather safety by visiting the North Carolina Department of Public Safety preparedness website at readync.org. This web page features an abundance of information that will help you plan and prepare for the severe weather season. Once again, that's readync.org.

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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. Those who support Macon Media with at least a dollar a month receive early access to video of some events and meetings before they are made public on the website. Videos and news involving public safety are not subject to early access.



Become a Patron!


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Published at 10:10am on Tuesday, March 09, 2021

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Severe Weather Liveblog for Monday, May 5, 2020

Live blog of Severe Weather for Monday, May 5, 2020

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:
https://www.facebook.com/Adams.Oldcastle.Franklin.NC/

All your masonry needs are available. Our phone number is 828.524.8545, the public is welcome, we’ll help you with your next project.

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Live Blog Posts will be in reverse chronological order, with newer posts on top and older posts below.

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9:32pm Macon County EMS and Franklin VFD are responding to a report of a structure fire on Melody Lane. Mountain Valley and Cullasaja-Gorge VFDs are providing mutual aid on this call. Please avoid the area for the next three hours or so.

6:40pm Highlands VFD is responding to a report of a structure fire on Clematis Lane in Jackson County to provide mutual aid to Cashiers VFD.

6:16pm The heaviest rains have moved out of the county. We're on the clear for now. If more storms form, I will reactive this liveblog and add the new material. Meanwhile, here is a look at all the lightning strikes in Macon County and the immediate surrounding area this afternoon. Wow!





6:05pm I have started a page for Macon Media on Mewe in response to the banning on Facebook. [LINK] Learn more about Mewe at https://mewe.com/about

6:00pm Cullasaja Gorge VFD is investigating a report of a lightning strike at a residence on Featherstone Drive. 

5:25pm Here is a radar of more storms headed this way. These will be impacting the central and southern sections of the county over the next hour or so. The yellow arrow shows the general direction of travel.




5:17pm Power Outage Update
Most of the outages appear to be in an area stretching along the Little Tennessee River northwest from Franklin and another in the Burningtown Community. Duke estimates it will be several hours before service is restored in most of these areas.

Macon County: 2,460 of 28,179 meters out (8.73%)

Duke Energy 2,460 of 25,687 out as of 5:00pm
Haywood EMC 0 of 2,335 out as of 5:00pm



5:03pm Here is a recent multiple lightning strike.



4:50pm I am working on battery power and will continue to post here as long as the battery in my laptop will permit.

4:46pm Duke Energy still has not updated their map page with any outage data [LINK] 

4:44pm Here is a look at the lightning strikes this afternoon. The brighter colors are newer and the darker colors are older. The circles indicate current soundwaves.



See in action for yourself. [LINK]

4:40pm Here is the latest from the National Weather Service regarding the weather this evening and what they believe will happen:

As of 430 PM: A severe thunderstorm watch has been posted for all of Upstate SC and much of western NC through 11 pm. The main question mark for the severe weather evolution this evening is the lingering stationary boundary across the heart of the forecast area, which will retreat only slightly northward ahead of the advancing cold front. The boundary will certainly serve as a focus, along with the advancing embedded upper shortwaves. This will lead to very high coverage, and likely severe weather, near the Interstate 85 corridor through mid evening. Anticipate large hail and occasionally damaging wind gusts as the primary threat, but brief tornadic spinups near the stalled frontal zone are quite possible through 8 or 9 pm. Will likely end up cancelling the watch from the west steadily through the evening hours as the upper support moves rapidly east.

4:36pm More heavy rain is moving into the area. Here is a radar map showing the storms coming in from the west. Most of these appear to be headed to the central sections of the county.




4:29pm Several of you have reported via Facebook that the power is out in various areas of the county. So far, Duke has not updated their maps to reflect any outages in the county. I will post them when they become available.

As of right now, Duke Energy reports:

All Counties - Carolinas
Active Power Outages:119
Total Customers Without Power:5,183
NC - Customers Without Power:4,306
SC - Customers Without Power:877


4:24pm The severe thunderstorm has moved out of the area.

4:20pm This is a mesoscale discussion that was published at 3:22pm and I missed it. This gist of it is that conditions are expected this evening to be favorable for the development of severe weather conditions this evening. So please be careful if you have to be out on the roads. Power outages may be possible, so have a flashlight handy.

IMAGE



Mesoscale Discussion 0542
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0222 PM CDT Tue May 05 2020

Areas affected...Portions of far eastern TN...northern GA/SC...and
western/central NC

Concerning...Severe potential...Watch possible

Valid 051922Z - 052115Z

Probability of Watch Issuance...60 percent

SUMMARY...An increasing severe risk is expected this afternoon. Isolated large hail, damaging winds, and perhaps a couple tornadoes may occur. Watch issuance is possible.

DISCUSSION...At the surface, veered southwesterly flow ahead of an eastward-moving cold front currently across middle TN and northern AL has limited low-level convergence along its length so far this afternoon. As a weak surface low continues to develop over the central Appalachians this afternoon and evening, its associated cold front will intersect an increasingly unstable airmass across eastern TN and northern GA. Orographic lift across the higher terrain of eastern TN and western NC in tandem with the cold front should aid in additional storm development across this region by 20-22Z.

Across the Carolinas, a surface wedge front has moved little so far today. Some breaks in the low/mid-level clouds have recently occurred over this region, with heating now occurring to the north of this boundary across parts of western/central NC. Current expectations are for this boundary to make some northward progress as a warm front across NC through the remainder of the afternoon and into the early evening as the surface low continues to develop eastward. A moist and at least weakly unstable airmass is present ahead of the cold front and south of the wedge front. Steepened mid-level lapse rates of 7-8 C/km are also contributing to around 500-1500 J/kg of MLCAPE, with localized potential for even stronger instability along/south of the front across the Carolinas later this afternoon and early evening.

Any storms that form over the higher terrain of eastern TN/western NC/northern GA will have the potential to become severe as they move eastward, with 40-50 kt of effective bulk shear being supported by a belt of strong westerly mid-level flow preceding an upper trough over the Midwest/OH Valley. A semi-discrete supercell storm mode appears possible initially, with both a large hail and damaging wind risk. With time, upscale growth into a small bowing cluster may occur along the warm front in the Carolinas. If this occurs, then damaging winds would probably become the primary risk. A couple tornadoes also cannot be ruled out along the length of the boundary across the Carolinas, where backed low-level flow may locally enhance effective SRH.


4:16pm Here is the text of the Thunderstorm Watch that is in effect for western North Carolina until 11pm tonight:

URGENT - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 168
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
355 PM EDT Tue May 5 2020

The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
Southern North Carolina
Northern South Carolina

* Effective this Tuesday afternoon and evening from 355 PM until 1100 PM EDT.

* Primary threats include...
Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph likely
Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2 inches in diameter possible
A tornado or two possible

SUMMARY...A cluster of thunderstorms over western North Carolina will track eastward along a warm front, affecting the watch area this afternoon and evening. Locally damaging wind gusts and hail are possible in the strongest cells. An isolated tornado is also possible.

The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 60 statute miles north and south of a line from 50 miles northwest of Anderson SC to 45 miles east of Fayetteville NC. For a complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU8).

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

REMEMBER...A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings. Severe thunderstorms can and occasionally do produce tornadoes.

&&

AVIATION...A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to 2 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector 27035.

4:08pm I observed a Franklin fire truck go back to the fire station, so perhaps the accident on US-441 was not that bad. Still exercise caution if you're in the area.

3:58pm An accident has occurred on US-441 near Druid Hills Road. Caller reports a car has flipped and landed in the median. Macon County EMS and Franklin VFD are responding.


3:55pm A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for most of western North Carolina until 11pm tonight. The image at the top of this post reflects the area impacted.

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Daily Weather Biefing for Easter Monday, April 13, 2020

OUTLOOK

Drier air will make it`s way into the region later today in the wake of a strong cold front. A wave of low pressure moving along the stationary front located just south of our region will bring a chance of precipitation back to the area late Tuesday and early Wednesday.

Severe Weather Coverage



Link to Macon Media play-by-play [LINK]


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Their phone number is 371-4718.

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


BURN BAN

A ban on open burning in the 32 western counties of North Carolina is in effect until further notice. [LINK]



GENERAL FORECAST THROUGH WEDNESDAY

Today

Patchy fog this morning. Partly sunny with a chance of showers and thunderstorms this morning, then mostly sunny this afternoon. Some thunderstorms may be severe with damaging winds, large hail, and heavy rainfall. Windy with highs in the 60s. Winds out of the southwest 20 to 30 mph in the morning shifting to come out of the west 10 to 15 mph this afternoon. Chance of rain 50 percent.

Tonight

Partly cloudy. Cooler with lows around 40. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday

Mostly sunny. Highs in the 60s. Winds out of the east around 5 mph in the morning and shifting to come out of the south in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night

Mostly cloudy. Lows in the lower 40s. Winds out of the northwest around 5 mph.

Wednesday

Partly sunny in the morning, then becoming mostly sunny. Highs in the 50s. Winds out of the northwest around 5 mph.

Wednesday Night

Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 30s.


HAZARDS

A strong storm system last night and early this morning knocked over several trees onto homes and powerlines and resulted in flooding and landslides. A Wind Advisory is in effect until 4pm today and the various flood warnings expire at 6am and 8am. A Tornado Watch is also set to expire at 8am.

If you do have to leave your home today, please be on the lookout for debris in the roads, and possible downed trees and landslide debris in the roads.

**edit** 6:17am

The county Emergency Management Director sent a press release this morning regarding the severe weather the county experienced last night and this morning. Here it is:

For immeaiate Release 
Macon County Emergency Services 
April 13, 2020 05:30 AM 
Warren Cabe, Director 911

Following severe storms this morning, high water has impacted travel across the area. Several roads are flooded and impassable. A debris flow or land slide has impacted an area off of the Old Murphy Road damaging at least one residence. There are reports of other smaller debris flows or landslides throughout the county. Several residences were evacuated from the community affected as a safety precaution. Crews will be enroute this morning to assess the damage. Extreme caution should be used on the roadways this morning. 

BURN BAN

A ban on open burning in the 32 western counties of North Carolina is in effect until further notice. [LINK]




COVID-19 Update



The CDC website [LINK] reports 3,651 people in North Carolina (not updated since Friday) are infected and that the infections are widespread, the NCDHHS website [LINK] reports 4,520 confirmed cases, 331 hospitalized and 81 deaths in the state. The Johns Hopkins Dashboard [LINK] reports 4,602 people infected and 91 deaths (these include non-residents located in NC).

Resources for Reliable Information about the Corona Virus (COVID-19) [LINK]


White House adviser to 60 Minutes: Show me your pandemic story



60 Minutes: 2005 report on pandemic preparedness



Grassroots effort demands that NC relax coronavirus rules. But state says they’re working. [LINK]

A copy of a press release has been added below to address the new restrictions that will come into effect this afternoon at 5pm. Most local retailers have already enacted these restrictions in anticipation of the new guidelines.


PRESS RELEASE
Governor Roy Cooper
Raleigh
Apr 9, 2020
(minor grammatical correction added)

Governor Roy Cooper took action to address the spread of COVID-19 by issuing stronger social distancing requirements and speeding up the process to get benefits to people out of work through Executive Order No. 131.

Three key areas are addressed in Executive Order 131. The first requires retail stores that are still operating to implement new social distancing policies to make shopping safer for customers and employees. The second makes earlier COVID-19 guidelines mandatory for nursing facilities and recommends other long-term care facilities to do the same. The third area is unemployment benefits, issuing changes that will speed up certain benefit payments to those who are out of work.

“North Carolina continues to take strong action to slow the spread of COVID-19, and today’s Order will help make stores safer, protect those living and working in nursing homes, and get more unemployment benefits out quicker. Our state is resilient, and we will get through this crisis together if we all do our part,” said Governor Cooper.

POLICIES FOR SOCIAL DISTANCING IN RETAIL STORES

This Order offers clear requirements that essential businesses must implement in order to safeguard the health of customers and employees. Some of the directives include:

Setting limits of how many people can be in a store at one time, 5 people per 1,000 square feet of retail space or 20% of fire marshal posted occupancy limits
Marking 6 feet of distance for areas where people gather like checkout lines
Requiring specific cleaning measures for retail stores

The Order encourages:

•Implementing hygiene recommendations for employees and customers, like hand sanitizer at the doors and face coverings for workers
•Establishing designated shopping times designated for high-risk groups
•Creating barriers between customers and employees at checkout to lower the risk of required interactions
•Creating barriers between customers and employees at checkout to lower the risk of required interactions

The Order states these requirements will last for thirty days unless extended by further executive action.



LOWERING RISK IN LONG TERM CARE FACILITIES

The Order sets public health and safety requirements for nursing homes during the public health emergency. The Order encourages other long-term care facilities to follow the same guidance. 

Some of the directives include:

•Canceling communal activities, including group meals
•Taking the temperature of employees and essential personnel when they enter the facility
•Requiring specific personal protective equipment in the facility
•Requiring close monitoring of residents for COVID-19 health indicators like body temperature
•The Order states these requirements will last until this order is repealed.



STREAMLINING UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE CLAIMS

The Order makes it easier for employers to file a batch of claims, called an attached claim, on behalf of their employees. By temporarily eliminating some of the hurdles for employers, benefits can get in the hands of those who need them faster.

The Order will extend 60 days beyond the date the state of emergency is lifted to allow employers to get back on their feet.


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Published at 6:00am on Easter Monday, April 13, 2020

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Severe Weather Awareness

File photo of a thunderstorm taken on May 13, 2008



We are approaching severe weather season in Macon County, and the National Weather Service has issued a Public Information Statement with some helpful advice on ways members of the community can receive information about impending severe weather events. There will also be a statewide tornado drill in North Carolina tomorrow at 9:30am. An alert will be sent out via all methods posted below. Macon Media will also be participating in the event and will relay the alert when it is posted. You are encouraged to have multiple methods of receiving alerts from the National Weather Service to increase your chances of receiving information in a timely manner that may save your life and the lives of those around you.


Public Information Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
458 AM EST Tue Mar 3 2020

...PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT...

One of the keys to staying safe during the severe weather season is making sure that you have a way to receive lifesaving severe weather watches and warnings. There are many methods and tools, some of which are available with no cost or fees, that you can use to receive these important lifesaving alerts no matter where you are - at home, at school, or at work. Here is a partial list of these methods and tools.

* NOAA Weather Radio (NWR): NWR is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information from the nearest National Weather Service office. Specially built receivers, which can be purchased at most electronics and large retail stores for less than $40, receive the NWR broadcast 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and sound an audible alert when official watches and warnings are issued for your area. Think of these radios as a "smoke detector" for severe weather alerts.

* Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA): With WEA, emergency alerts can be sent to your cell phone or mobile device when you may be in harm's way, without need to download an app or subscribe to a service. In addition to other alert types such as AMBER Alerts, this free service will transmit extreme weather warnings such as Tornado and Flash Flood warnings to your cell phone. The alerts will look like a text message, and will typically show the type and time of the alert, and any action you should take. WEA messages include a special tone and vibration. If you receive a WEA message, you should follow any action advised by the emergency message. Seek more details from your favorite TV or radio station, NOAA Weather Radio, news website, desktop application, mobile application, or other trusted source of information.

* Cell phone apps: There are many great cell phone apps that provide real-time NWS warnings and alerts, some of which are free to download and use, and others that may charge a small fee. A simple search of your app provider will reveal many of these apps.

* Emergency Alert System (EAS) and your favorite TV and radio stations: EAS is the message dissemination pathway that sends warnings via broadcast, cable, satellite, and wireline services. EAS may be used by state and local authorities, including the National Weather Service, in cooperation with the broadcast community, to deliver important emergency information such as severe weather information, AMBER alerts, and local incident information targeted to specific areas. In short, when severe weather strikes, it's a good idea to tune to your favorite local TV or radio station or web site for detailed information about the severe weather threat.

In addition to the aforementioned alerting system, many communities also offer free emergency alert notifications through their own systems, such as reverse 911 phone systems. Be sure to check with your local emergency management agency to learn what is available in your area.

Tomorrow (Wednesday, March 4th) at 9:30 AM, the National Weather Service in cooperation with local broadcasters will conduct a statewide tornado drill. The alarm test, which will come in the form of a Required Monthly Test, will activate the State Emergency Alert System and be carried by local radio broadcasters. Every school, business, and residence is encouraged to participate in this drill. It's really easy: at 9:30 AM on Wednesday, take a few moments to practice your severe weather safety plan, and seek shelter for a few minutes as if a tornado was headed your way. To help you prepare for this drill, be sure to visit the National Weather Service's severe weather preparedness website at http://www.weather.gov/rah/2020ncswpw where you can learn more about seeking safe shelter when severe weather strikes. In addition, throughout the day Wednesday, the NWS will feature NOAA Weather Radio messages and social media posts that highlight severe weather safety tips.

Be sure to take some time this week to learn more about severe weather safety. Learning and practicing severe weather safety when the weather is good will allow you to react more quickly when the weather turns bad. You can learn more about severe weather safety by visiting the North Carolina Department of Public Safety preparedness website at readync.org. This web page features an abundance of information, and links to a free cell phone app, that will help you plan and prepare for the severe weather season. Once
again, that's readync.org.


##END OF PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT#


WEATHER SPONSOR



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CROWDFUNDING 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. Those who support Macon Media with at least a dollar a month receive early access to video of some events and meetings before they are made public on the website. Videos and news involving public safety are not subject to early access.



Become a Patron!
Or, if you prefer Pay Pal, try PayPal.me/MaconMedia

Published at 10:00am on Tuesday, March, 2020

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