Almanac for September 28, 2018

This post has information about weather extremes and averages in Macon County, in North Carolina and beyond. If you have suggestions for what you would like to see included here, please email Macon Media with Almanac in the subject line at editor@MaconMedia.com


Weather Averages for September in and around Macon County

	Franklin	Highlands	Andrews	Clayton	Cullowhee	Bryson City
High	78	72	80	79	78	80
Low	54	61	54	55	55	55
Rain	4.61	7.64	4.45	5.94	4.21	5.04
Snow	0	0	0	0	0	0

Today in Weather History

1837: The first recorded storm to rake the entire Texas coast was Racer’s Storm, named for a British sloop of war which encountered the system in the extreme northwestern Caribbean on September 28th. It is remembered as one of the most destructive storms of the nineteenth century due to its extreme duration and 2000 mile path of destruction.

Wikipedia: Racer Hurricane [LINK]

NOAA Hurricane Research Division Blog [LINK]

North Carolina Shipwrecks [LINK]

Wikipedia: SS Home [LINK]


1998: On the morning of September 28th, Hurricane George made landfall near Biloxi, Mississippi with maximum winds of 110 mph and a minimum pressure of 964 mb, making it a Category 2 hurricane. After landfall, Georges moved very slowly across southern Mississippi and weakened to a tropical depression by the morning of the 29th when the center was about 30 miles north-northeast of Mobile, Alabama. The storm dissipated near the northeast Florida/southeast Georgia coast by the morning of October 1, 1998.

Wikipedia: Hurricane Georges [LINK]

NWS Mobile-Pensacola [LINK]




Record Weather Events for September 28th

Record weather events for this date in Macon County
(1872-2016)

Highest Temperature 89°F in Franklin in 1986
Lowest Temperature 29°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1947
Greatest Rainfall 3.90 inches in Franklin in 1881

Record Weather Events for September
(1872-2017)

Highest Temperature 98°F in Franklin on Sept 4, 1975
Lowest Temperature 27°F in Franklin on Sept 30, 1967
Greatest Rainfall 11.87 inches in Highlands on Sept 29, 1964

Record weather events for this date and month in Macon County

Record Weather Events for Sept 28th in North Carolina

Highest Temperature 98°F in Concord, Cabarrus County in 2017
Lowest Temperature 23°F in Marion, McDowell County in 2000
Greatest Rainfall 9.00 inches in New Bern, Craven County in 1877
(rainfall was due to Tropical Storm Five of the 1877 Hurricane Season [LINK]




Record Weather Events for September in North Carolina

Highest Temperature 109°F in Weldon, Halifax County on 09-07-1954
Lowest Temperature 23°F in Marion, McDowell County on 09-28-2000
Greatest Rainfall 18.30 inches in Southport, Brunswick County on 09-16-1999


Sun and Moon


Sun

Begin civil twilight 7:01 a.m.
Sunrise 7:26 a.m.
Sun transit 1:24 p.m.
Sunset 7:22 p.m.
End civil twilight 7:47 p.m.


Moon

Moonrise 9:15 p.m. last night
Moon transit 3:56 a.m.
Moonset 10:44 a.m.
Moonrise 9:52 p.m.


Phase of the Moon on September 28, 2018: Waning Gibbous with 87% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
Closest Primary Moon Phase: Full Moon on September 24, 2018 at 10:52 p.m. (local daylight time)



CROWDFUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES


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supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month.



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

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online.

Published at 1:35 am on September 28, 2018

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconAlmanac


Data and information sources: Sources (except where otherwise credited): heavens-above.com, The National Weather Service, Star Date Online, Sky and Telescope, National Geographic, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, National Hurricane Center, The State Climate Office of North Carolina, U.S. Naval Observatory, University of Utah Department of Atmospheric Sciences, and the Weather Prediction Center.

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Trump Admin’s Joint Opioid Reduction Task Force Leads To 75 Arrests In North Carolina Indian Country

The results of a major drug operation in Indian Country have been announced.



The above video is a partial recording of the press conference. It will be replaced with a more complete version when it has been posted online.

**3:43pm** The WYFF-TV Facebook Livestream has been replaced with a Youtube video from WSPA-TV that covers the full event.

75 people have been arrested and 248 pounds of drugs worth over $2 million have been seized. A press release provided by the Bureau of Indian Affairs has been posted below.

Departments recognized for their assistance are: the Cherokee Police Department, the Swain County Sheriffs Office, The Asheville Police Department, the Buncombe County Sheriffs Office, The McDowell County Sheriffs Office, the Henderson County Sheriffs Office, the Rutherford County Sheriffs Office, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and the North Carolina Highway Patrol.

PRESS RELEASE 
Bureau of Indian Affairs
September 27, 2018

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – A major law enforcement operation targeting drug trafficking in and around Indian Country in North Carolina has resulted in the arrest of more than 75 individuals on federal, state and tribal charges, announced U.S. Secretary of Interior Ryan Zinke and Andrew Murray, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Additionally, the months-long operation yielded more than 248 pounds of illegal substances including heroin, methamphetamine, and hundreds of opioid pills with an estimated street value of $2 million. Officers also seized 6 illegally-possessed firearms. This operation is the latest conducted by the Interior Department’s task force which Secretary Zinke formed in March 2018 to target the opioid crisis in Indian Country.

The undercover operation, led by the Department of Interior’s Opioid Reduction Task Force, in coordination with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indian Police Department and multiple federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, began in March 2018, and aimed at disrupting and dismantling drug distribution networks operating in and around the Qualla Boundary.

“First and foremost, bravo zulu to the dozens of law enforcement professionals who are on the front lines and putting their own lives at risk to take these deadly drugs off the streets. President Trump and I could not be prouder of their work,” said Secretary Zinke. “It’s heartbreaking to see the scale of the problem, and rather than further stigmatizing victims, we are cracking down on the dealers who are selling out our children, selling out our communities, and selling out our nation. The Trump Administration is serious about ending the opioid crisis and that means both treatment of those suffering as well as eradicating the drugs from our communities. This week’s law enforcement action gets us closer to that goal.”

“I am extremely grateful to the Secretary of the Interior, the BIA and the multiple state and local agencies who helped make this operation a success," said Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Richard Sneed. "The arrest of these drug dealers is a critical step towards ensuring that the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians are able to provide the healthy environment our people deserve.”

In addition to the 75 arrests announced today in connection with DOI’s Opioid Reduction Task Force operation, a concurrent two-year investigation spearheaded by the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Division of Drug Enforcement and the DEA led to the previous arrest of 57 additional individuals responsible for trafficking opiates and methamphetamine in Indian Country, bringing the total number of those arrested as part of the Western District’s drug reduction initiative on the Cherokee Indian Reservation to 132.

To date, the joint investigations have also yielded a seizure of more than 5 pounds of heroin and Fentanyl; more than 20 pounds of methamphetamine; over 210 Fentanyl tablets and Oxycodone tablets; and more than 223 pounds of marijuana, with a combined street value of over $2 million. Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement also seized six illegally possessed firearms.

Other partners involved in the operation include: the DEA; the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indian Police Department; the Swain County Sheriff’s Office; the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office; the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office; the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office; the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office; Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office; the Asheville Police Department; the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation; and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol; and the U.S. Marshals Service for their coordinated efforts throughout this investigation.

Last year, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced a series of new actions by the Justice Department to support law enforcement and maintain public safety in Indian Country. Among the actions announced, was the deployment of the expanded Tribal Access Program for National Crime Information (TAP), which is designed to provide the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and other federally-recognized tribes, access to national crime information databases for criminal and civil purposes. TAP allows tribes to more effectively serve and protect their nations’ citizens by ensuring the exchange of critical data across the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) systems and other national crime information systems.

In addition, the Office of Tribal Justice created the Indian Country Federal Law Enforcement Coordination Group, an unprecedented partnership that brings together sworn federal agents and key stakeholders from 12 federal law enforcement components with responsibilities in Indian Country, with the goal of increasing collaboration and coordination among law enforcement and enhancing the response to violent crime in Indian Country.

###

**2:52 pm** Here is an additional press release by the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina

Federal Opioid Reduction Task Force Initiative Leads To 76 Arrests In North Carolina Indian Country


ASHEVILLE, N.C.  – A major law enforcement operation targeting drug trafficking in and around Indian Country in North Carolina has resulted in the arrest of more than 75 individuals on federal, state and tribal charges, announced Secretary of Interior Ryan Zinke and Andrew Murray, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. 

The undercover operation, led by the Department of Interior’s (DOI) Opioid Reduction Task Force, in coordination with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Cherokee Indian Police Department and multiple federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, began in March 2018, and aimed at disrupting and dismantling drug distribution networks operating in and around the Qualla Boundary. 

In addition to the 76 arrests announced today in connection with DOI’s Opioid Reduction Task Force operation, a concurrent two-year investigation spearheaded by the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Division of Drug Enforcement and the DEA led to the previous arrest of 56 additional individuals responsible for trafficking opiates and methamphetamine in Indian Country, bringing the total number of those arrested to 132.

To date, the joint investigations have yielded a seizure of more than 3.8 pounds of heroin and Fentanyl; more than 18 pounds of methamphetamine; over 270 Fentanyl and Oxycodone tablets; and more than 100 kilograms of marijuana, with a combined street value of over $1.82 million. Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement also seized five illegally possessed firearms.

“First and foremost, Bravo Zulu to the dozens of law enforcement professionals who are on the front lines and putting their own lives at risk to take these deadly drugs off the streets. President Trump and I could not be prouder of their work,” said Secretary Zinke. “It’s heartbreaking to see the scale of the problem, and rather than further stigmatizing victims, we are cracking down on the dealers who are selling out our children, selling out our communities, and selling out our nation. The Trump Administration is serious about ending the opioid crisis and that means both treatment of those suffering as well as eradicating the drugs from our communities. This week’s law enforcement action gets us closer to that goal.”

“The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is a community that has been hard hit by the opioid epidemic. Drug distribution, drug-fueled crimes, and drug abuse pose a grave threat to the safety, stability, cultural preservation, and well-being of the tribal community,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “The Justice Department and my office are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to stem the flow of drugs onto the Qualla Boundary, and to reduce the opioid abuse epidemic that has devastated Indian Country.”

“Dangerous and deadly drugs, both licit and illicit, see no boundaries,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division.  “If the drugs are destined for the inner city, rural suburbia or Indian Country, regardless, the outcome is the same: they destroy dreams, communities, families and lives. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians community, and adjoining areas elsewhere, have felt the sting of drug abuse and addiction. DEA, its law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office are committed to making our communities safer by removing those who push these deadly substances. This investigation was a huge success because of the spirited efforts between DEA, its federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement partners and the subsequent prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and state and tribal prosecutors.”

“I am extremely grateful to the Secretary of the Interior, the BIA and the multiple state and local agencies who helped make this operation a success.  The arrest of these drug dealers is a critical step towards ensuring that the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is able to provide the healthy environment our people deserve.” Principal Chief Richard Sneed.   

Twelve individuals face federal drug offenses. They are:

Dontavius Juan Cox, 26, of Sylva, N.C.
Derek Wilson Driver, 26, of Cherokee, N.C.
David Charles Fisher, 56, of Bryson City, N.C.
Timothy Mark Grady, 43, Bryson City, N.C.
Kandace Rhean Griffin, 29, of Cherokee, N.C.
Kenneth Dean Griffin, 51, Cherokee, N.C.
Kevin Dewayne Huskey, 47, of Bryson City, N.C.
Saryna Michelle Miller, 22, of Bryson City, N.C.
Jeremy Dwayne Morton, 21, of Bryson City, N.C.
Javier Fernando Perez, 27, of Norcross, Georgia.
David William Smith, 30, of Sylva, N.C.
Dee Anna Wike, 45, of Cherokee, N.C.


Those arrested will have their initial hearings in federal court on Friday.  Federal arrests warrants have been issued for Cox and Perez.  Other offenses fall under tribal, state and local jurisdictions.

The charges contained in the indictments are allegations.  The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 

In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Murray thanked the Bureau of Indian Affairs; the DEA; the Cherokee Indian Police Department; the Swain County Sheriff’s Office; the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office; the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office; the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office; the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office; the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office; the Asheville Police Department; the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation; the North Carolina State Highway Patrol; and the U.S. Marshals Service for their coordinated efforts throughout this investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney John Pritchard and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexis Solheim, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville, are in charge of the federal prosecutions.

Last year, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced a series of new actions by the Justice Department to support law enforcement and maintain public safety in Indian Country.  Among the actions announced was the deployment of the expanded Tribal Access Program for National Crime Information (TAP), which is designed to provide the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and other federally-recognized tribes with access to national crime information databases for criminal and civil purposes.  TAP allows tribes to more effectively serve and protect their nations’ citizens by ensuring the exchange of critical data across the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) systems and other national crime information systems.  

The Office of Tribal Justice also created the Indian Country Federal Law Enforcement Coordination Group, an unprecedented partnership that brings together sworn federal agents and key stakeholders from 12 federal law enforcement components with responsibilities in Indian Country, with the goal of increasing collaboration and coordination among law enforcement and enhancing the response to violent crime in Indian Country.

“As a member of the Native American Issues Subcommittee of the Attorney General’s Advisory Council, addressing substance abuse and violent crime in Indian Country is a priority,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “My office is committed to supporting our tribal law enforcement partners and tribal leadership to identify and dismantle drug networks operating in and around Indian Country, and to provide greater access to technology, information, and funding, as we work jointly to increase public safety within the tribal community,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. 

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.



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

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online.

Published at 9:29 am on September 27, 2018
Additional information added at 2:52  pm.
Partial video replaced with full video at 3:43 pm.

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

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Traffic Accident Near 550 Roller Mill Road

Franklin Fire Department is directing traffic near 550 Roller Mill Road between Westgate Plaza and Westgate Terrace Apartments.

Please reroute around the area for the next hour or so.

time 8:53 am on Thursday, September 27, 2018

#WNCscan #MaconTraffic

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Daily Weather Briefing for Thursday, September 27, 2018

LOCAL WEATHER OUTLOOK

A cold front will move into the region today and stall across the area. This front will help produce showers and thunderstorms as it lingers over the county into the weekend.

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 with your next project.


Record Weather Events for September 27th

Record weather events for this date in Macon County
(1872-2016)

Highest Temperature 89°F in Franklin in 1998
Lowest Temperature 30°F in Highlands in 1899
Greatest Rainfall 3.53 inches in Highlands in 1942


Record Weather Events for September (1872-2017)

Highest Temperature 98°F in Franklin on Sept 4, 1975
Lowest Temperature 27°F in Franklin on Sept 30, 1967
Greatest Rainfall 11.87 inches in Highlands on Sept 29, 1964

An expanded almanac is available that covers record weather events, climate averages, and an astronomy section. [LINK]


WEATHER FORECAST MAPS

Forecast maps for 8 am, 2 pm, and 8 pm. 
[click on any image in this article to enlarge]
(These images replace the three-day forecast maps)





OUTLOOK



--------------------------------------
FRANKLIN AREA

Today

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 11am, then showers and thunderstorms between 11am and 5pm, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 5pm. Areas of fog before 10am. High near 75. Calm wind becoming south around 6 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch possible.

Tonight

Showers and thunderstorms likely before 2am, then a chance of showers. Patchy fog before 2am. Otherwise, cloudy, with lows in the lower 60s. Light south southwest wind. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Friday

A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with highs in the upper 70s. Light west wind. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday Night

A slight chance of thunderstorms before 7pm, then a slight chance of showers after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Saturday

A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 80. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60.



--------------------------------------
OTTO AREA

Today

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm, mainly before noon, then showers and thunderstorms after noon. Areas of fog before 11am. Highs near the lower 70s. Calm wind becoming south around 6 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch possible.

Tonight

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before midnight, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between midnight and 2am, then a chance of showers after 2am. Patchy fog before 2am. Lows near the lower 60s. Light south southwest wind. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Friday

A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. Light west southwest wind. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday Night

A chance of thunderstorms before 8pm, then a slight chance of showers after 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday

A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 3pm. Partly sunny, with highs near the mid-to-upper 70s. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60.



--------------------------------------
HIGHLANDS AREA

Today

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm, mainly before 1pm, then showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Areas of fog before 1pm. High near 65. South wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch possible.

Tonight

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Patchy fog before 2am. Low around 60. West southwest wind 3 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Friday

A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible in the afternoon. Mostly cloudy, with highs in the upper 60s. West southwest wind 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday Night

A chance of thunderstorms before 8pm, then a slight chance of showers after 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the upper 50s. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday

A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 4pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 70. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Saturday Night

A 30 percent chance of showers before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the upper 50s.



--------------------------------------
NANTAHALA AREA

Today

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 11am, then showers and thunderstorms between 11am and 5pm, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 5pm. Areas of fog. Highs near the upper 60s. South southwest wind 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

Tonight

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before midnight, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between midnight and 2am, then a chance of showers after 2am. Patchy fog before 2am. Low around 60. Southwest wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Friday

A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 70. West wind 3 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday Night

A slight chance of thunderstorms before 7pm, then a slight chance of showers after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the upper 50s. Northwest wind 3 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Saturday

A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 70. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday Night

Mostly cloudy, with lows in the upper 50s.



--------------------------------------


GOES-16 GeoColor - True Color daytime, multispectral IR
11:27 pm last night to 2:37 am this morning


HAZARDS

A flood watch is in effect until 8:00 pm tonight.

An unstable atmosphere aided by moderately strong deep layered shear will support strong to severe thunderstorm development this afternoon, mainly across the foothills and piedmont of the Carolinas and northeast Georgia. Some storms may become organized and long-lived capable of producing damaging outflow winds and large hail.

***FLOOD WATCH***

Flood Watch
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
952 PM EDT Wed Sep 26 2018

...Heavy Rainfall Expected Across Portions of the Western North Carolina Mountains...

.A slowly moving cold front and ample moisture originating out of the Gulf of Mexico will focus periods of heavy rain across the North Carolina mountains through Thursday evening. The heavy rain will be capable of producing flash flooding across the area.


...FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH THURSDAY EVENING...

The Flash Flood Watch continues for a portion of western North Carolina, including the following areas:

Avery, Graham, Haywood, Macon, Madison, Mitchell, Northern Jackson, Swain, and Yancey.

* through Thursday evening

* Showers and thunderstorms with periods of moderate to heavy rainfall are expected across the area through Thursday in association with a slow moving cold front. Runoff from this heavy rainfall may lead to flash flooding.

* People in the watch area should be aware of the threat of heavy rainfall. Avoid low lying areas and be careful when approaching highway dips and underpasses. Do not drive through flooded spots on roads, especially if you do not know how deep the water is.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation.

You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.


Macon Media maintains a Severe Weather Preparedness Page at http://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/p/breaking-news-hub.html for those who are interested.

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



GOES 16 - Band 15 - 12.3 µm - Dirty Longwave Window - IR (Precipitation)
11:42 pm last night to 2:37 am this morning

TROPICAL OUTLOOK

Tropical Weather Outlook
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
200 AM EDT Thu Sep 27 2018

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

The National Hurricane Center is issuing advisories on Tropical Storm Kirk, located a couple of hundred miles east of the Lesser Antilles.

1. Post-Tropical Cyclone Leslie, located over the central Atlantic Ocean several hundred miles west-southwest of the Azores, remains a powerful non-tropical low with hurricane-force winds. The associated shower activity is gradually becoming more organized, and Leslie is expected to again become a subtropical storm, or possibly a tropical storm, later today or Friday while it moves west-southwestward at about 10 mph over the north-central Atlantic. For more information on this system, see High Seas Forecasts issued by the National Weather Service.

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




MACON CALENDAR

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

Organizers of political events must make themselves available for a video interview at least 7 days before a political event they wish Macon Media to promote. Two weeks is the preferred time frame to maximize awareness.

Fontana Regional Library to Observe Banned Books Week

With the American Library Association, Fontana Regional Library will celebrate Banned Books Week 2018 September 23-29. The nationwide observance brings together the entire book community — librarians, booksellers, authors, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek out and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular.

A banned book is one that has been removed from a school or library based upon the objections of a person or group; a challenged book is one that is threatened with removal or restriction. In many cases, a challenge is unsuccessful and the book remains on the shelf.

Read the entire press release on the blog. [LINK] http://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/2018/09/banned-books-week-honors-freedom-to-read.html

Uptown Gallery classes
(These are on-going classes – repeat weekly)

Free classes and open studio times are being offered at The Uptown Gallery in Franklin. Join others at a painting open studio session every Tuesday from 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm or on Thursday from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm.

Bring your own materials and join an on-going drawing course led by gallery artists on Fridays, from 11am – 2 pm. For information on days open, hours and additional art classes and workshops, contact the gallery on 30 East Main Street at (828) 349 – 4607.

National Alliance on Mental Illness
Appalachian South

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

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

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

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

SYRINGE EXCHANGE PROGRAM

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



Sun and Moon

Sun

Begin civil twilight 7:00 a.m.
Sunrise 7:25 a.m.
Sun transit 1:24 p.m.
Sunset 7:23 p.m.
End civil twilight 7:48 p.m.


Moon

Moonrise 8:41 p.m. last night
Moon transit 3:08 a.m.
Moonset 9:42 a.m.
Moonrise 9:15 p.m.


Phase of the Moon on September 27, 2018: Waning Gibbous with 93% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
Closest Primary Moon Phase: Full Moon on September 24, 2018 at 10:52 p.m. (local daylight time)

Sky Guides for this week


Sky and Telescope Magazine 
Astronomy Magazine


There will be three solar and two lunar eclipses in 2018. [LINK]

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

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

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.


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

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online.

2:55 am on September 27, 2018

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety


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

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Almanac for September 27, 2018

This post has information about weather extremes and averages in Macon County, in North Carolina and beyond. 
If you have suggestions for what you would like to see included here, please email Almanac at editor@MaconMedia.com


Weather Averages for September in and around Macon County

	Franklin	Highlands	Andrews	Clayton	Cullowhee	Bryson City
High	78	72	80	79	78	80
Low	54	61	54	55	55	55
Rain	4.61	7.64	4.45	5.94	4.21	5.04
Snow	0	0	0	0	0	0

Today in Weather History

1822: The Carolina Hurricane of 1822

This hurricane moved north-northwest from the Bahamas on September 25 to hit Charleston, South Carolina on September 27. It claimed the lives of hundreds of slaves who found themselves trapped in the low-lying Santee Delta, miles from higher ground and with no shelter. It caused 300 or more deaths.

Early American hurricanes 1492-1870, David Ludlum, pg 114-116

Research Paper (PDF) [LINK]

1985: Hurricane Gloria struck the Outer Banks of North Carolina

Damage in the state was estimated at $8.1 million, including $2.4 million in crop damage. There was one death in North Carolina when a man was struck by a fallen tree.

Wikipedia [LINK]

National Weather Service [LINK]


On This Day in Space



Record Weather Events for September 27th

Record weather events for this date in Macon County
(1872-2016)

Highest Temperature 89°F in Franklin in 1998
Lowest Temperature 30°F in Highlands in 1899
Greatest Rainfall 3.53 inches in Highlands in 1942

Record Weather Events for September
(1872-2017)

Highest Temperature 98°F in Franklin on Sept 4, 1975
Lowest Temperature 27°F in Franklin on Sept 30, 1967
Greatest Rainfall 11.87 inches in Highlands on Sept 29, 1964

Record weather events for this date and month in Macon County

Record Weather Events for Sept 27th in North Carolina

Highest Temperature 102°F in Belhaven, Beaufort County in 1921
Lowest Temperature 24°F in Banner Elk, Avery County in 1940
Greatest Rainfall 7.49 inches in Wilmington, New Hanover County in 1958
(rainfall was due to the remnants of Hurricane Helene. [LINK]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Helene_(1958)


Record Weather Events for September in North Carolina

Highest Temperature 109°F in Weldon, Halifax County on 09-07-1954
Lowest Temperature 23°F in Marion, McDowell County on 09-28-2000
Greatest Rainfall 18.30 inches in Southport, Brunswick County on 09-16-1999


Sun and Moon

Sun

Begin civil twilight 7:00 a.m.
Sunrise 7:25 a.m.
Sun transit 1:24 p.m.
Sunset 7:23 p.m.
End civil twilight 7:48 p.m.


Moon

Moonrise 8:41 p.m. last night
Moon transit 3:08 a.m.
Moonset 9:42 a.m.
Moonrise 9:15 p.m.


Phase of the Moon on September 27, 2018: Waning Gibbous with 93% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
Closest Primary Moon Phase: Full Moon on September 24, 2018 at 10:52 p.m. (local daylight time)



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.



Become a Patron!
If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send

an email to editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only. Macon Media rewards

early sponsors/underwriters with lifetime guaranteed low rates while newer sponsors/underwriters pay

higher rates based on the date they first support Macon Media.

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting

coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online.

Published at 1:00 am on September 27, 2018

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconAlmanac


Data and information sources: Sources (except where otherwise credited): heavens-above.com, The National

Weather Service, Star Date Online, Sky and Telescope, National Geographic, National Oceanic Atmospheric

Administration, National Hurricane Center, The State Climate Office of North Carolina, U.S. Naval

Observatory, University of Utah Department of Atmospheric Sciences, and the Weather Prediction Center.

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Flood Watch in Effect Until Thursday Evening

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for several counties, including Macon County. The map above shows the area impacted by this event. The arrow shows the general direction of travel for the rain. We will probably get between one to two inches of rain overnight.

A brief weather update is posted below for your convenience.


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 with your next project.

This Afternoon

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 80. Calm winds. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Overnight

Showers and thunderstorms. Patchy fog after 11pm. Low around 65. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.


Hazardous Weather Outlook

A cold front will move into the area today and become stationary. Thunderstorms will develop along the front this afternoon and a few may become strong enough to produce large hail and damaging winds.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday.

An unstable atmosphere aided by moderately strong deep layered shear will support strong to severe thunderstorm development Thursday afternoon, mainly across the foothills and piedmont of the Carolinas and northeast Georgia. Some storms may become organized and long-lived capable of producing damaging outflow winds and large hail.


URGENT - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Flood Watch
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
250 PM EDT Wed Sep 26 2018

...Heavy Rainfall Expected Across Portions of the WNC Mountains Through Thursday evening...

.A slowly moving cold front and ample moisture originating out of the Gulf of Mexico will focus periods of heavy rain across the North Carolina mountains through Thursday evening. The heavy rain will be capable of producing flash flooding across the area.


...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH THURSDAY EVENING...

The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued a

* Flash Flood Watch for a portion of western North Carolina,
including the following areas, Avery, Graham, Haywood, Macon, Madison, Mitchell, Northern Jackson, Swain, and Yancey.

* through Thursday evening

* Showers and thunderstorms with periods of moderate to heavy rainfall are forecast across the area through Thursday in association with a slow moving cold front. Runoff from this heavy rainfall may lead to flash flooding.

* People in the watch area should be aware of the threat of heavy rainfall. Avoid low lying areas...and be careful when approaching highway dips and underpasses. Do not drive through flooded spots on roads, especially if you do not know how deep the water is.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation.

You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.



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.



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

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online.

4:02 pm on September 26, 2018

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

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Daily Weather Briefing for Wednesday, September 26, 2018

LOCAL NEWS

A video and summary of the Franklin Town Council September 24th continuation meeting are on the blog. [LINK]

LOCAL WEATHER OUTLOOK

A cold front will move into the region today and stall across the area. This front will help produce showers and thunderstorms as it lingers over the county into the weekend.

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 with your next project.


Record Weather Events for September 26th

Record weather events for this date in Macon County
(1872-2016)

Highest Temperature 89°F in Franklin in 1958
Lowest Temperature 31°F in Highlands in 2001
Greatest Rainfall 2.82 inches in Highlands in 2002

Record Weather Events for September (1872-2017)

Highest Temperature 98°F in Franklin on Sept 4, 1975
Lowest Temperature 27°F in Franklin on Sept 30, 1967
Greatest Rainfall 11.87 inches in Highlands on Sept 29, 1964

An expanded almanac is available that covers record weather events, climate averages, and an astronomy section. [LINK]


WEATHER FORECAST MAPS

Forecast maps for 8 am, 2 pm, and 8 pm. 
[click on any image in this article to enlarge]
(These images replace the three-day forecast maps)





OUTLOOK



--------------------------------------
FRANKLIN AREA

Today

A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 11am. Patchy fog before 11am. Otherwise, cloudy, with highs near the upper 70s. Light and variable wind. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Tonight

Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Patchy fog. Otherwise, cloudy, with lows near the lower 60s. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Thursday

Showers and thunderstorms. High near 75. Calm wind becoming south southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Thursday Night

Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Cloudy, with lows near the lower 60s. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Friday

A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 10am. Mostly cloudy, with highs near the upper 70s. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Friday Night

A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with lows near the lower 60s.


--------------------------------------
OTTO AREA

Today

Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 8am, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 10am. Patchy fog before noon. Otherwise, cloudy, with a high near 75. Light and variable wind. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Tonight

Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Patchy fog. Otherwise, cloudy, with lows in the lower 60s. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Thursday

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm, mainly before 2pm, then showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. High near 75. Calm wind becoming south southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Thursday Night

Showers and thunderstorms likely before 7pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 7pm and 10pm, then showers likely after 10pm. Cloudy, with lows near the lower 60s. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Friday

Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly in the afternoon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Friday Night

A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with lows near the lower 60s. Chance of precipitation is 40%.



--------------------------------------
HIGHLANDS AREA

Today

Showers and thunderstorms likely before 10am, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 10am and 5pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 5pm. Patchy fog before 11am. Otherwise, cloudy, with a high near 70. West southwest wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Tonight

Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Patchy fog. Otherwise, cloudy, with a low around 60. West southwest wind around 6 mph becoming calm after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Thursday

Showers before 9am, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm between 9am and 2pm, then showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Highs near the upper 60s. Calm wind becoming south southwest 5 to 7 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Thursday Night

Showers and thunderstorms. Low around 60. Southwest wind 3 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Friday

Showers likely before 10am, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 10am and 1pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with highs near the upper 60s. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Friday Night

Showers and thunderstorms likely before 10pm, then a chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. Chance of precipitation is 60%.



--------------------------------------
NANTAHALA AREA

Today

A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 10am. Patchy fog. Otherwise, cloudy, with a high near 70. South wind around 6 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch possible.

Tonight

Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Patchy fog. Otherwise, cloudy, with a low around 60. Light and variable wind. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Thursday

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 1pm, then showers and thunderstorms between 1pm and 5pm, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 5pm. Highs near the upper 60s. Light and variable wind becoming southwest 5 to 7 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch possible.

Thursday Night

Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Cloudy, with a low around 60. South southwest wind 3 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Friday

A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 9am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 70. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Friday Night

A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. Chance of precipitation is 40%.


--------------------------------------


GOES-16 GeoColor - True Color daytime, multispectral IR
11:32 pm last night to 2:47 am this morning


HAZARDS

Severe weather is not expected today.


Macon Media maintains a Severe Weather Preparedness Page at http://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/p/breaking-news-hub.html for those who are interested.

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



GOES 16 - Band 15 - 12.3 µm - Dirty Longwave Window - IR (Precipitation)
11:57 pm last night to 2:52 am this morning

TROPICAL OUTLOOK

Tropical Weather Outlook
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
200 AM EDT Wed Sep 26 2018

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

1. A weak low pressure system located about 100 miles south-southwest of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, is producing disorganized shower activity, mainly to the east of the center. Strong upper-level winds are expected to increase further over the system today, and the chances for tropical cyclone formation are decreasing. The low is forecast to move north-northeastward along or near the North Carolina coast later this morning, and it could produce scattered showers and dangerous surf and rip currents across eastern North Carolina as it passes by. The low is expected to move northeastward and merge with a frontal system or dissipate offshore of the New England coast on Thursday. For more information, please see products from your local National Weather Service office.

* Formation chance through 48 hours...low...30 percent.
* Formation chance through 5 days...low...30 percent.

2. Thunderstorm activity has increased and become better organized in association with the remnants of Kirk located about 650 miles east of the Windward Islands. Recent satellite-derived wind data also indicate that the circulation has become better defined and that the winds have increased. If this development trend continues, then advisories will be re-initiated on this system later this morning. Interests in the Windward and Leeward Islands should monitor the progress of this disturbance. An Air Force Reserve reconnaissance aircraft is schedule to investigate this disturbance later today. For more information on this system, see High Seas Forecasts issued by the National Weather Service.

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

3. Post-Tropical Cyclone Leslie centered about 850 miles west-southwest of the Azores is producing disorganized shower activity and gale-force winds. Leslie is expected to reacquire subtropical or tropical characteristics on Thursday or Friday while the cyclone meanders over the north-central Atlantic. For more information on this system, see High Seas Forecasts issued by the National Weather Service.

* Formation chance through 48 hours...medium...40 percent.
* Formation chance through 5 days...high...90 percent.





MACON CALENDAR

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

Organizers of political events must make themselves available for a video interview at least 7 days before a political event they wish Macon Media to promote. Two weeks is the preferred time frame to maximize awareness.

Fontana Regional Library to Observe Banned Books Week

With the American Library Association, Fontana Regional Library will celebrate Banned Books Week 2018 September 23-29. The nationwide observance brings together the entire book community — librarians, booksellers, authors, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek out and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular.

A banned book is one that has been removed from a school or library based upon the objections of a person or group; a challenged book is one that is threatened with removal or restriction. In many cases, a challenge is unsuccessful and the book remains on the shelf.

Read the entire press release on the blog. [LINK] http://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/2018/09/banned-books-week-honors-freedom-to-read.html

Uptown Gallery classes
(These are on-going classes – repeat weekly)

Free classes and open studio times are being offered at The Uptown Gallery in Franklin. Join others at a painting open studio session every Tuesday from 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm or on Thursday from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm.
Bring your own materials and join an on-going drawing course led by gallery artists on Fridays, from 11am – 2 pm. For information on days open, hours and additional art classes and workshops, contact the gallery on 30 East Main Street at (828) 349 – 4607.

National Alliance on Mental Illness
Appalachian South

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

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

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

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

SYRINGE EXCHANGE PROGRAM

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



Sun and Moon

Sun

Begin civil twilight 6:59 a.m.
Sunrise 7:25 a.m.
Sun transit 1:25 p.m.
Sunset 7:24 p.m.
End civil twilight 7:50 p.m.


Moon

Moonrise 8:09 p.m. last night
Moon transit 2:22 a.m.
Moonset 8:42 a.m.
Moonrise 8:41 p.m.


Phase of the Moon on September 26, 2018: Waning Gibbous with 97% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
Closest Primary Moon Phase: Full Moon on September 24, 2018 at 10:52 p.m. (local daylight time)

Sky Guides for this week


Sky and Telescope Magazine 
Astronomy Magazine


There will be three solar and two lunar eclipses in 2018. [LINK]

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

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

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.


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

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online.

3:10 am on September 26, 2018

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety


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

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