Daily Weather Briefing for Sunday, April 30, 2017

LOCAL OUTLOOK

High pressure will weaken and move east today before a cold front moves across the forecast area Monday with strong to severe thunderstorms possible in the afternoon. Weak yet dry high pressure builds across the southeast Tuesday through Wednesday. By Thursday...a moist area of low pressure will work into area from the southwest.

Weather Almanac for April 30th (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 88°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1970
Lowest Temperature 27°F in Highlands in 1992
Greatest Rainfall 3.40 inches at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1963
Greatest Snowfall There has been no measurable snowfall on this date since 1872, when weather records began being kept.

THREE DAY OUTLOOK




TODAY

Patchy fog early. Partly sunny with highs near 80. Winds 5 to 10 mph out of the southeast with gusts in the 20 to 25 mph range. Winds will be stronger in the higher elevations. 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, especially in the afternoon hours. Rainfall amounts expected to be less than a tenth of an inch, more in locations that see thunderstorm activity.

TONIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows in the lower 60s. Patchy fog is expected to develop after 1 am. Winds out of the south with gusts in the 20 to 25 mph range. 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms with rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch expected.





MONDAY

Cloudy with highs near 70 and winds 10 to 15 mph out of the southwest with gusts between 20 and 30 mph. 70% chance of showers and thunderstorms, some of them could be strong. Rainfall amounts between half and three quarters of an inch expected.

MONDAY NIGHT

Partly cloudy with lows in the upper 40s and winds out of the west.




TUESDAY

Sunny with highs in the lower 70s.

TUESDAY NIGHT

Mostly clear with lows near 50.


HAZARDS

Hazardous weather is not expected today. There may be severe weather on Monday. Strong storms are expected to form ahead of a cold front.

NWS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK

..TODAY...Isolated to scattered thunderstorms will develop across the western Carolinas and Northeast Georgia this afternoon. These storms will be capable of producing cloud to ground lightning, small hail, and localized gusty winds.

..MONDAY...Severe weather possible. A cold front will cross the area on Monday possibly producing organized strong to severe thunderstorms. The greatest threats will be large hail and damaging winds, mainly over the foothills and Piedmont of the Carolinas and northeast Georgia in the afternoon and evening.

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


MACON CALENDAR

If you have an event you wish to be added to this calendar, please send the information, along with a flyer in pdf format or a high-quality photo, to editor@maconmedia.com
There is no charge for civic, educational or non-profit groups.

TODAY at 4 pm
FORUM ON ANGEL/MISSION LABOR & DELIVERY CLOSING

There is a forum planned to discuss the loss of the Labor & Delivery Department ii is planned for Sunday at the Gazebo at the corner of Main Street and Iotla Street. More details can be found on the Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/230879670725769/


Saturday, May 6 at 11 AM
EMERGENCY SERVICES PERSONNEL RELAY FOR LIFE TRUCK PULL

The Emergency Services Personnel Relay for Life Team is hosting a Firetruck pull to earn money for Relay for Life. Teams of 6 for $150. Also having a pull for children under the age of 12 for $50 per team. There will be hotdogs and hamburgers, and games for the kids! Come out, have fun, and help us raise money for Relay for Life!

Learn more about this fundraiser on the event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/600783233464831/


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 impacti 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.



Astronomy

Twilight Begins: 6:16 am
Sunrise: 6:43 am
Sunset 8:19 pm
Twilight Ends: 8:46 pm




Moon Phase: Waxing Crescent with 24% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
Moonset 12:02 a.m.
Moonrise 10:36 a.m.


Evening Events and Planets

Chart shows sky at 10:30 pm tonight




Morning Events and Planets

Chart shows sky at 4 am tomorrow morning




Sky Guides for this week

Sky and Telescope Magazine 
Astronomy Magazine


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

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

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

CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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

If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only.

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

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


Published at 5:27 am on April 30, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

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

Read More

Daily Weather Briefing for Saturday, April 29, 2017

LOCAL OUTLOOK

A Bermuda high will continue summer like weather across the region through the end weekend until a strong cold front approaches from the west Sunday night. The cold front will move across our region on Monday. After the front passes, weak high pressure will move across the southeast for Tuesday and Wednesday. However, the atmosphere will reload with another slow moving system bringing wet weather to the area late next week.

Weather Almanac for April 29th (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 90°F in Franklin in 1970
Lowest Temperature 26°F in Highlands in 1992
Greatest Rainfall 3.10 inches in Franklin in 2014
Greatest Snowfall There has been no measurable snowfall on this date since 1872 when weather records began being kept.

LOCAL NEWS

The big news in Macon County this week has been the announcement by Mission Health that the Labor & Delivery Department at Angel Medical Center will be closing. Lost in the uproar of that was the news that a $40 million-plus new hospital will be built. 

There is a forum planned to discuss the loss of the Labor & Delivery Department is planned for Sunday at the Gazebo at the corner of Main Street and Iotla Street. More details can be found on the Facebook event page. [LINK]

You can read about what happened regarding this story at the following links:

ANGEL ANNOUNCES CHANGES TO OB/GYN PROGRAM

HARRIS HOSPITAL SUPPORTS COMMUNITY

MISSION HEALTH PRESS CONFERENCE IN ASHEVILLE REGARDING INVESTMENT IN MACON COUNTY (video of the press conference is included)

THREE DAY OUTLOOK



TODAY

Patchy fog in the morning. Mostly sunny with highs near the mid-80s and winds 5 to 10 mph out of the south. Wind gusts could be in the 20 mph range. 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4 pm or so.

TONIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows near 60 and winds out of the southeast.30% chance of showers and thunderstorms.




SUNDAY

Patchy fog early. Partly sunny with highs near the upper 70s to low 80s and winds 5 to 10 mph out of the southeast. 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 8 am.

SUNDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows in the lower 60s and winds 10 to 15 mph out of the southeast. Wind gusts will be in the 20 to 25 mph range. 70% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after midnight.





MONDAY severe weather may be possible

Cloudy and rainy with highs near 70 and winds 10 to 15 mph out of the south. Wind gusts will be in the 20 to 25 mph range. 90% chance of rain and thunderstorms.

MONDAY NIGHT

Partly cloudy with lows dropping into the upper 40s. 60% chance of rain, mainly before midnight.


HAZARDS

Hazardous weather is not expected today. There may be severe weather on Monday. Strong storms are expected to form ahead of a cold front.

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


MACON CALENDAR

If you have an event you wish to be added to this calendar, please send the information, along with a flyer in pdf format or a high-quality photo, to editor@maconmedia.com
There is no charge for civic, educational or non-profit groups.


People's Climate Sister March WNC

MARCH DETAILS:
2pm - March begins at Big Bear Picnic Shelter, E. Main Street, Franklin. We will have speakers & music to kick off the event!
3pm - March through downtown Franklin begins. Route is approx. 1.5 miles (there is a big hill walking into town). If you are unable to walk the march we encourage you to join the rally at Big Bear shelter, then hold your signs at the town square where marchers will end.
March ends at the Gazebo on the Square in downtown Franklin. There will be community organizations with information tables until 5pm.

This is positive, family friendly event. Please bring signs, personal water bottles, and WEAR GREEN!

CARPOOLING is strongly encouraged. Parking is available at Big Bear and also at Mainspring, across the road. We will have signs posted.

Contact forwardfranklinnc@gmail.com for more information or visit the facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/1290528817707288/

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 affecting 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.



Astronomy

Twilight Begins: 6:17 am
Sunrise: 6:44 am
Sunset 8:18 pm
Twilight Ends: 8:45 pm



Moon Phase: Waxing Crescent with 14% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
Moonrise 9:37am
Moonset 12:02 am (tomorrow)



Evening Events and Planets

Chart shows sky at 10:30 pm tonight



Morning Events and Planets

Chart shows sky at 4 am tomorrow morning




PLANET POSITION SUMMARY



Sky Guides for this week

Sky and Telescope Magazine 
Astronomy Magazine


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

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

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

CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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

If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only.

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

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


Published at 5:15 am on April 29, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

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

Read More

Mission Health Press Conference in Asheville About Investment in Macon County

This is video of the press conference Mission Health had in Asheville this morning about their investment in Macon COunty. Macon MEdia was not able to cover the event due to the expense involved in travelling to Asheville and back.

WLOS-TV livestreamed the event.






ROLL CALL
(media outlets with reporters/photographers present)

WLOS-TV
The Franklin Press
Macon County News and Shopping Guide
The Smoky Mountain News

Elected Officials

None


**12:00 pm** A version from MIssion Health has been posted on their Youtube account, but, curiously, it is unlisted show it does not show up in searches. Here is a copy.




They have also established a feedback mechanism to hear from the public. [LINK]


CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month.
If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only.

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

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

Published at 9:06 am on April 28, 2017

Read More

Daily Weather Briefing for Friday, April 28, 2017

LOCAL OUTLOOK

Warm and humid high pressure will build in through today and tonight. A front will move into the area late this weekend, increasing chances for showers and thunderstorms on Sunday. Another front will approach by the middle of next week.

Weather Almanac for April 28th (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 88°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1986
Lowest Temperature 23°F in Highlands in 1928
Greatest Rainfall 2.96 inches at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1958
Greatest Snowfall 0.1 inches in Highlands in 1928


THREE DAY OUTLOOK


IMAGE TO BE ADDED LATER
INTERNET SPEED TOO LOW TO ALLOW IMAGE UPLOADS

TODAY dense fog early, high wind gusts in the afternoon

Dense fog in the morning. Mostly cloudy skies becoming partly sunny by noon. Highs in the lower 80s. Light winds out of the southeast early shifting to come out of the south 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Wind gusts in the 20 mph range.

TONIGHT

Partly cloudy with lows near 60 and winds out of the south. Fog is expected to develop after 5 am.


IMAGE TO BE ADDED LATER
INTERNET SPEED TOO LOW TO ALLOW IMAGE UPLOADS
SATURDAY

Areas of fog in the morning. Mostly sunny with highs near the low to mid 80s. Light winds out of the south early, increasing to 5 to 10 mph by midmorning.

SATURDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows near 60 and winds out of the south and southeast. 30% chance of showers, mainly before 4 am. Less than a tenth of an inch expected.


IMAGE TO BE ADDED LATER
INTERNET SPEED TOO LOW TO ALLOW IMAGE UPLOADS
SUNDAY

Partly sunny with highs near 80 winds 5 to 10 mph out of the south. 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms.

SUNDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows near 60. 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms.


HAZARDS

Dense fog is expected to develop this morning in the region and then wind gusts are in the forecast for the afternoon.

The National Weather Service has issued a Special Weather Statement regarding the development of dense fog this morning.

Please use your headlights this morning so other motorists can see you. You may want to decrease your speed and increase the distance you follow other vehicles a little so your reaction time is better if the motorist in front of you has to suddenly stop.


Here is the full statement from the National Weather Service:

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
240 AM EDT Fri Apr 28 2017

...PATCHY DENSE FOG DEVELOPING AROUND THE WESTERN CAROLINAS AND NORTHEAST GEORGIA EARLY THIS MORNING...

The combination of very moist air near the surface, drying and clearing aloft, and light winds is permitting areas of fog to develop around the region. The visibility within these areas of fog has been rather variable thus far this morning, but with patchy dense fog forming occasionally in some locations. Dense fog will be most likely through daybreak in the mountain river valleys, areas near bodies of water, and other low-lying locations.

The visibility may frequently vary between one quarter mile and about one mile, but could occasionally become one quarter mile or less at times. If driving this morning, be sure to allow extra travel time and use low beam headlights and fog lamps in case you suddenly encounter any areas of dense fog. The fog will slowly lift and scatter through the late morning hours.

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


MACON CALENDAR

If you have an event you wish to be added to this calendar, please send the information, along with a flyer in pdf format or a high quality photo, to editor@maconmedia.com
There is no charge for civic, educational or non profit groups.

FRANKLIN BIRD CLUB EVENTS THIS WEEK



Friday, April 28

John and Cathy Sill will lead a bird walk in the Standing Indian area.

Meet at the Kmart parking lot (Westgate Plaza in Franklin) at 8:00 am to carpool up to Standing Indian with a few stops along the way. We should be back by noon. Sign up at 828-524-5234.uld flooding develop.

People's Climate Sister March WNC

MARCH DETAILS:
2pm - March begins at Big Bear Picnic Shelter, E. Main Street, Franklin. We will have speakers & music to kick off the event!
3pm - March through downtown Franklin begins. Route is approx. 1.5 miles (there is a big hill walking into town). If you are unable to walk the march we encourage you to join the rally at Big Bear shelter, then hold your signs at the town square where marchers will end.
March ends at the Gazebo on the Square in downtown Franklin. There will be community organizations with information tables until 5pm.

This is positive, family friendly event. Please bring signs, personal water bottles, and WEAR GREEN!

CARPOOLING is strongly encouraged. Parking is available at Big Bear and also at Mainspring, across the road. We will have signs posted.

Contact forwardfranklinnc@gmail.com for more information or visit the facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/1290528817707288/

SYRINGE EXCHANGE PROGRAM

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



Astronomy

Twilight Begins: 6:18 am
Sunrise: 6:45 am
Sunset 8:17 pm
Twilight Ends: 8:44 pm


IMAGE TO BE ADDED LATER
INTERNET SPEED TOO LOW TO ALLOW IMAGE UPLOADS
Moon Phase: Waxing Crescent with 7% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
Moonrise 8:43 am
Moonset 10:57pm



Evening Events and Planets

Chart shows sky at 10:30 pm tonight

IMAGE TO BE ADDED LATER
INTERNET SPEED TOO LOW TO ALLOW IMAGE UPLOADS

Morning Events and Planets

Chart shows sky at 4 am tomorrow morning

IMAGE TO BE ADDED LATER
INTERNET SPEED TOO LOW TO ALLOW IMAGE UPLOADS
PLANET POSITION SUMMARY

IMAGE TO BE ADDED LATER
INTERNET SPEED TOO LOW TO ALLOW IMAGE UPLOADS
Sky Guides for this week

Sky and Telescope Magazine 
Astronomy Magazine


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

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

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

CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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

If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only.

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

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


Published at 4:58 am on April 28, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

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

Read More

Strong Thunderstorm to impact southern Macon County

UPDATE **5:08 pm** 
The strong sector of this storm has exited Macon County.




Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
448 PM EDT THU APR 27 2017

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTH CENTRAL RABUN... SOUTHEASTERN MACON... SOUTHWESTERN TRANSYLVANIA AND SOUTHEASTERN JACKSON COUNTIES UNTIL 530 PM EDT...
At 448 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 10 miles south of Franklin, or near Dillard, moving northeast at 50 mph.
Locations to be impacted include...
Highlands, Mountain City, Rosman, Dillard, Sky Valley, Cashiers, Lake
Toxaway, Lake Glenville, B.R. Parkway-Balsam Gap To Black Balsam Area
and Gorges State Park.
Wind gusts up to 45 mph and pea size hail will be possible in these areas.

Read More

Harris Regional Hospital supports community during labor and delivery transition

PRESS RELEASE

Harris Regional Hospital supports community during labor and delivery transition

April 27, 2017

SYLVA AND FRANKLIN, N.C. – Harris Regional Hospital, a Duke LifePoint Healthcare hospital, is committed to caring for the people of western North Carolina with a full range of acute care and outpatient services, ranging from heart care to important women’s services like obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN). We currently serve families in locations close to work and school in Sylva, Franklin, and Bryson City, saving time and travel for our community members.

We are aware that Mission Health is discontinuing labor and delivery services at Angel Medical Center in Franklin, and we are glad to be able to support our community members throughout this transition.

“Representatives from Harris and Mission have made initial contact regarding this transition and Harris looks forward to collaborating with Mission to ensure that patients from the region, and Macon County specifically, receive the best possible care close to home,” said Steve Heatherly, CEO of Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital.

The New Generations Family Birthing Center at Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva is undergoing a $5.5 million renovation and will continue to serve families from Macon County and across the region with expert prenatal, obstetrical, neonatal, and pediatric care. Nearly a fifth of all deliveries at Harris Regional Hospital are to families living in Macon County. Harris Women’s Care, with a Macon County location at Harris Regional Hospital Medical Park of Franklin, serves the obstetrical and gynecological needs of women in the outpatient setting with routine and preventive care, and access to ultrasound and digital mammography.

At Harris Regional Hospital and its integrated physician practices, Harris Women’s Care and Harris Pediatric Care, mothers and their babies receive the highest quality of care from expertly-trained obstetricians/gynecologists, pediatricians, a pediatric hospitalist nurse practitioner, award-winning nursing staff, International Board Certified Lactation Consultants, and certified pediatric physical therapists specializing in infant care. Expectant parents are invited to participate in free child-birthing and breastfeeding classes. The hospital also offers a group for new mothers in the weeks and months after delivery.

Harris Regional Hospital is privileged to provide care that is recognized on state and national levels:

• Designation as a 4-Star Breastfeeding Friendly facility by the North Carolina Maternity Center
•Recognition by the March of Dimes for reducing to less than one percent the number of elective inductions and cesarean deliveries performed before 39 weeks of pregnancy
•Staff caring for mothers and babies at the New Generations Family Birthing Center at Harris Regional Hospital were presented with the hospital’s Blue Ribbon Award for receiving the organization’s highest patient satisfaction scores during a recent measurement period


To learn more about Harris Regional Hospital, the New Generations Family Birthing Center or Harris Women’s Care, visit http://www.myharrisregional.com or call 828.586.7000.

Read More

Daily Weather Briefing for Thursday, April 27, 2017

LOCAL OUTLOOK

A dissipating cold front will cross our region today, following by warm and humid high pressure building back in for Friday and Saturday. Another front approaches from the west on Sunday, and crosses the area on Monday.

Weather Almanac for April 27th (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 90°F in Franklin in 1986
Lowest Temperature 25°F in Highlands in 1919
Greatest Rainfall 2.55 inches in Highlands in 1964
Greatest Snowfall There has been no measurable snowfall on this date since records started being kept in 1872.

LOCAL NEWS



Mission Hospital has announced that they will be holding a press conference in Asheville regarding their investment in Macon County in a boardroom in Asheville, NC. 68 miles away from Angel Medical Center. Due to the distance and expense involved, Macon Media will not be able to cover this press conference.

THREE DAY OUTLOOK




TODAY

Cloudy with highs in the low 70sa and winds out of the southeast. Showers and thunderstorms today, with the greatest chance of thunderstorms after 4 pm. Rainfall amounts are expected to be between a quarter and half an inch.

TONIGHT

Partly cloudy with lows near 50. Winds out of the northwest are expected to become calm before midnight. 30% chance of rain, mainly before 9 pm with rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch expected, except in locations that have thunderstorms.



FRIDAY

Patchy fog in the morning. Mostly sunny with highs near the lower 80s. Calm winds in the morning and out of the south 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.

FRIDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows near 60. Winds out of the south calming after midnight.



SATURDAY

Mostly sunny with highs near the low to mid 80s. 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 10 am.

SATURDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows near 60. 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms.


HAZARDS

A cold front could bring severe thunderstorms into Macon County today. The timing is between 10 am and 1 pm. The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for the region and a copy is posted below.

NWS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK

..THURSDAY...Severe weather possible. As a cold front pushes through the area during the late morning and afternoon, the atmosphere will be unstable enough that scattered thunderstorms will develop. Conditions will be favorable for a few of these storms to produce damaging winds and large hail. A tornado cannot be ruled out.

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


MACON CALENDAR

If you have an event you wish to be added to this calendar, please send the information, along with a flyer in pdf format or a high quality photo, to editor@maconmedia.com
There is no charge for civic, educational or non profit groups.

FRANKLIN BIRD CLUB EVENTS THIS WEEK

Wednesday, April 26

Friday, April 28

John and Cathy Sill will lead a bird walk in the Standing Indian area.

Meet at the Kmart parking lot (Westgate Plaza in Franklin) at 8:00 am to carpool up to Standing Indian with a few stops along the way. We should be back by noon. Sign up at 828-524-5234.uld flooding develop.

People's Climate Sister March WNC

MARCH DETAILS:
2pm - March begins at Big Bear Picnic Shelter, E. Main Street, Franklin. We will have speakers & music to kick off the event!
3pm - March through downtown Franklin begins. Route is approx. 1.5 miles (there is a big hill walking into town). If you are unable to walk the march we encourage you to join the rally at Big Bear shelter, then hold your signs at the town square where marchers will end.
March ends at the Gazebo on the Square in downtown Franklin. There will be community organizations with information tables until 5pm.

This is positive, family friendly event. Please bring signs, personal water bottles, and WEAR GREEN!

CARPOOLING is strongly encouraged. Parking is available at Big Bear and also at Mainspring, across the road. We will have signs posted.

Contact forwardfranklinnc@gmail.com for more information or visit the facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/1290528817707288/

SYRINGE EXCHANGE PROGRAM

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



Astronomy

Twilight Begins: 6:20 am
Sunrise: 6:47 am
Sunset 8:16 pm
Twilight Ends: 8:43 pm




Moon Phase: Waxing Crescent with 2% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
Moonrise 7:54 am
Moonset 9:48pm



Evening Events and Planets

Chart shows sky at 10:30 pm tonight




Morning Events and Planets

Chart shows sky at 4 am tomorrow morning



PLANET POSITION SUMMARY



Sky Guides for this week

Sky and Telescope Magazine 
Astronomy Magazine


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

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

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

CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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

If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only.

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

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


Published at 4:42 am on April 27, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

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

Read More

Input Sought for State’s Public Transportation Strategic Plan Citizens invited to community workshops in May

The North Carolina Department of Transportation is seeking input on its strategic plan. The closest location to Macon County that citizens can go to provide input in person will be in Asheville on May 11th from 12:30 to 3:30 pm at the North Carolina Arboretum located at 20 Frederick Law Olmsted Way. A parking pass will be available at the gate house for those who identify themselves as workshop participants.

More information on the State Public Transportation Strategic Plan. [LINK]

The full press release is posted below.





Press Release
Contact: Katie Trout
ktrout@ncdot.gov
(919) 707-2675


Input Sought for State’s Public Transportation Strategic Plan
Citizens invited to community workshops in May

RALEIGH – State transportation officials are asking the public to share their thoughts about the future of public transportation in North Carolina. A series of regional workshops will be held in May as part of the process to create North Carolina’s Public Transportation Statewide Strategic Plan.

Attendees will view a presentation about commuting patterns, transit opportunities and the strategic plan process before sharing their ideas during breakout sessions. Participants will help identify problems, strategies and solutions that should be addressed by the strategic plan.

The N.C. Department of Transportation is developing the plan to improve bus, rail, and paratransit services across the state by better matching transit services to the needs of North Carolinians. For more information, visit https://www.ncdot.gov/nctransit/strategicplan/.

Community Workshop Schedule
A map displaying each community workshop is available here. Click the map icons for community workshop times, dates, and locations. No registration is required.

Northeastern North Carolina
May 2, 2017
12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Pitt County Agricultural Extension Auditorium
403 Government Circle, Suite 2
Greenville, NC 27834

Southeastern North Carolina
May 3, 2017
12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Bladen Community College Auditorium
7418 Highway 41 West
Dublin, NC 28320

Technology Issues
This meeting will explore how technology can improve public transportation.
May 4, 2017
8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Research Triangle Foundation
Meeting Rooms A&B
12 Davis Drive
Durham, NC 27709

Triangle
May 4, 2017
12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Research Triangle Foundation
Meeting Rooms A&B
12 Davis Drive
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709

Charlotte/Gastonia/Kannapolis
May 8, 2017
12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College - South Campus
Building 1000 (Main Building), Room 106
1531 Trinity Church Road
Concord, NC 28027

Land Use Issues
This meeting will explore how land use decisions can align with public transportation.
May 9, 2017
8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Guilford Technical Community College - Jamestown Campus
Medlin Campus Center, First Floor Lounge
601 E. Main Street
Jamestown, NC 27282

Piedmont
May 9, 2017
12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Guilford Technical Community College - Jamestown Campus
Medlin Campus Center, First Floor Lounge
601 E. Main Street
Jamestown, NC 27282

Northern Mountains
May 10, 2017
12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Watauga County Administration Building
Commissioners’ Board Room (Room 104)
814 West King Street
Boone, NC 28607

Southern Mountains
May 11, 2017
12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
North Carolina Arboretum
For GPS, use: 20 Frederick Law Olmsted Way
Asheville, NC 28806
Workshop participants will receive a parking pass when they stop at the gate house.

NCDOT will provide auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act for disabled persons who wish to participate in this meeting. Anyone requiring special services should contact Jamille Robbins, Human Environment Section, via e-mail at jarobbins@ncdot.gov or by phone (919) 707-6085 as early as possible so that arrangements can be made.

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Daily Weather Briefing for Wednesday, April 26, 2017

LOCAL OUTLOOK

Warm and dry high pressure will build in across the region today. A dissipating cold front crosses our region Thursday, then warm and humid high pressure builds back in for Friday and Saturday. Another front approaches from the west on Sunday.

Weather Almanac for April 26th (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 91°F in Franklin in 19868
Lowest Temperature 23°F in Highlands in 1919
Greatest Rainfall 3.24 inches in Highlands in 1939
Greatest Snowfall There has been no measurable snowfall on this date since records started being kept in 1872.

LOCAL NEWS

Mission Hospital has announced that they “will discontinue labor and delivery services but will continue to provide pre- and post-natal services, gynecological services, surgical procedures as well as preventive, routine and complex care for women of all ages.“ a copy of the press release is on the blog. [LINK]

THREE DAY OUTLOOK




TODAY

Areas of fog in the morning. Cloudy in the morning, decreasing clouds, highs near 80. Calm winds in the morning rising to come from the south in the afternoon.

TONIGHT

Mostly clear with lows near the mid 50s. Winds out of the southwest shifting to come out of the northwest after midnight.



THURSDAY

Mostly cloudy with highs in the lower 70s and winds 5 to 10 mph out of the southeast. 60% chance of rain with rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch expected.

THURSDAY NIGHT

Partly cloudy with lows in the lower 50s. Winds out of the southwest becoming calm before midnight. 30% chance of rain, mainly before 2 am.



FRIDAY

Mostly sunny with highs near 80. 20% chance of showers, mainly after 3 pm.

FRIDAY NIGHT

Partly cloudy with lows near 60.


HAZARDS

No hazardous weather is expected.

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


MACON CALENDAR

If you have an event you wish to be added to this calendar, please send the information, along with a flyer in pdf format or a high quality photo, to editor@maconmedia.com
There is no charge for civic, educational or non profit groups.

FRANKLIN BIRD CLUB EVENTS THIS WEEK

Wednesday, April 26

Bird walk along the Greenway. Meet at the Macon County Public Library parking area at 8:00 am. Check below in Comments for walk report.

Friday, April 28

John and Cathy Sill will lead a bird walk in the Standing Indian area.

Meet at the Kmart parking lot (Westgate Plaza in Franklin) at 8:00 am to carpool up to Standing Indian with a few stops along the way. We should be back by noon. Sign up at 828-524-5234.uld flooding develop.



People's Climate Sister March WNC

MARCH DETAILS:
2pm - March begins at Big Bear Picnic Shelter, E. Main Street, Franklin. We will have speakers & music to kick off the event!
3pm - March through downtown Franklin begins. Route is approx. 1.5 miles (there is a big hill walking into town). If you are unable to walk the march we encourage you to join the rally at Big Bear shelter, then hold your signs at the town square where marchers will end.
March ends at the Gazebo on the Square in downtown Franklin. There will be community organizations with information tables until 5pm.

This is positive, family friendly event. Please bring signs, personal water bottles, and WEAR GREEN!

CARPOOLING is strongly encouraged. Parking is available at Big Bear and also at Mainspring, across the road. We will have signs posted.

Contact forwardfranklinnc@gmail.com for more information or visit the facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/1290528817707288/



SYRINGE EXCHANGE PROGRAM

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



Astronomy

Twilight Begins: 6:21 am
Sunrise: 6:48 am
Sunset 8:15 pm
Twilight Ends: 8:42 pm




Moon Phase: New Moon at 8:16 am today. In just four more new moons, there will be a total solar eclipse coinciding with the New Moon!
Moonrise 7:10 am
Moonset 8:38pm



Evening Events and Planets

Chart shows sky at 10:30 pm tonight




Morning Events and Planets

Chart shows sky at 4 am tomorrow morning



PLANET POSITION SUMMARY



Sky Guides for this week

Sky and Telescope Magazine 
Astronomy Magazine


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

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

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

CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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

If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only.

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

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


Published at 5:00 am on April 26, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

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

Read More

Press Release: Angel Medical Center Announces Changes to OB/GYN Program

PRESS RELEASE
Angel Medical Center


Angel Medical Center Announces Changes to OB/GYN Program

FRANKLIN, NC (April 25, 2017) – Angel Medical Center (AMC), a not-for-profit Critical Access Hospital located in Franklin, North Carolina, has announced plans to modify its OB/GYN program with the goal of sustaining women’s health services and hospital services in Macon County. AMC will discontinue labor and delivery services but will continue to provide pre- and post-natal services, gynecological services, surgical procedures as well as preventive, routine and complex care for women of all ages.

AMC is in the process of exploring several options for transitioning these services to Mission Hospital in Asheville, where a quarter of all Macon, Jackson and Swain county women already choose to deliver their babies, or alternatively to DLP Harris Hospital in Sylva to ensure that patients have access to needed care. A final plan will be in place before June, and July 14, 2017 will be the last date for labor and delivery component of Women’s Services at Angel Medical Center.

“Mission Health is contemplating significant, new investments totaling as much as $46M for a newly built hospital and upgrades to existing facilities based upon a detailed analysis of our population, broad healthcare delivery trends and pending health policy changes. As part of that plan, we will be transitioning labor and delivery services from Angel Medical Center, looking to identify the optimal approach that reflects women’s existing choices and that will benefit our families in Franklin,” said Karen Gorby, RN, President and CNO, Angel Medical Center. “Our final decision will ensure that we have excellent labor and delivery services for our moms and babies combined with full-time, local pre- and post-natal care, gynecology services and other women’s health services in Franklin. We will share more information on the details of the transition of labor and delivery services in the coming weeks,” said Ms. Gorby.

The decision to discontinue labor and delivery services was made after an extensive analysis of AMC’s Women’s and Children’s services. Based on an assessment of the medical center’s clinical services, OB-GYN and pediatric practice stability and fiscal sustainability, AMC and Mission Health determined that discontinuing labor and delivery services at AMC is the responsible decision for the sustainable future of Macon County’s community health, wellness and inpatient services.

AMC and Mission Health remain fully committed to providing outstanding local care for Macon County patients, families and community partners and plan for continued growth and investments in its dedicated caregivers and communities.

ABOUT ANGEL MEDICAL CENTER

Angel Medical Center, a member of Mission Health, is a full-service, not-for-profit community hospital serving Macon and the surrounding counties. Located in Franklin, N.C., Angel Medical Center is a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital offering inpatient services that include a women’s and children’s health unit, an intensive care unit, and a medical and surgical unit. Outpatient services include a wound clinic, chemotherapy services, a full laboratory, digital mammography, CT, MRI, nuclear medicine, rehab therapy, as well as surgical and endoscopy services. The hospital also operates the Angel Urgent Care Center and Angel Home Health & Hospice. For more information, please visit angelmed.org.

ABOUT MISSION HEALTH

Mission Health, based in Asheville, North Carolina, is the state’s sixth-largest health system and was recognized as one of the nation’s Top 15 Health Systems from 2012-2015 by Truven Health Analytics, formerly Thomson Reuters, becoming the only health system in North Carolina to achieve this recognition. Mission Health operates six hospitals, numerous outpatient and surgery centers, post- acute care provider CarePartners, long-term acute care provider Asheville Specialty Hospital, and the region’s only dedicated Level II trauma center. With approximately 12,000 team members and 2,000 volunteers, Mission Health is dedicated to improving the health and wellness of the people of western North Carolina. For more information, please visit mission-health.org or @MissionHealthNC.

Read More

Daily Weather Briefing for Tuesday, April 25, 2017

LOCAL OUTLOOK

Expect drier and warmer weather today and Wednesday. A dissipating cold front crosses our region Thursday and Friday.

Weather Almanac for April 25th (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 88°F in Franklin in 1960
Lowest Temperature 25°F in Highlands in 1930
Greatest Rainfall 4.85 inches in Highlands in 1881
Greatest Snowfall 6.0 inches in Highlands in 1910



LOCAL NEWS





A body of a young man identified as Brian Dills, with extended local family, was discovered Saturday in an alleyway off Phillips Street, between the Gem Society and Jail Museum Building and the Goshen Timberframes Building. The body had been there for a few days and police do not suspect foul play. The body has been sent to Winston Salem for an autopsy. This news was delayed so family members could be notified of the death.


THREE DAY OUTLOOK




TODAY

Patcy dense fog early. Partly sunny with highs near the mid to upper 70s and winds 5 to 10 mph from the northwest.

TONIGHT

Mostly clear with fog exp[ected to develop after 3 am and lows near 50. Calm winds.



WEDNESDAY

Sunny with highs near 80. Calm winds in the morning rising to come from the south in the afternoon.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

Mostly clear with lows near the mid 50s and winds out of the south.



THURSDAY

Partly sunny, increasing clouds, with highs near the mid 70s. 60% chance of rain, mainly after noon.

THURSDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows in the mid 50s. 40% chance of rain, mainly before 2 am.


HAZARDS

No hazardous weather is expected.

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


MACON CALENDAR

If you have an event you wish to be added to this calendar, please send the information, along with a flyer in pdf format or a high quality photo, to editor@maconmedia.com
There is no charge for civic, educational or non profit groups.

FRANKLIN BIRD CLUB EVENTS THIS WEEK


Wednesday, April 26

Bird walk along the Greenway. Meet at the Macon County Public Library parking area at 8:00 am. Check below in Comments for walk report.

Friday, April 28

John and Cathy Sill will lead a bird walk in the Standing Indian area.

Meet at the Kmart parking lot (Westgate Plaza in Franklin) at 8:00 am to carpool up to Standing Indian with a few stops along the way. We should be back by noon. Sign up at 828-524-5234.



People's Climate Sister March WNC

MARCH DETAILS:
2pm - March begins at Big Bear Picnic Shelter, E. Main Street, Franklin. We will have speakers & music to kick off the event!
3pm - March through downtown Franklin begins. Route is approx. 1.5 miles (there is a big hill walking into town). If you are unable to walk the march we encourage you to join the rally at Big Bear shelter, then hold your signs at the town square where marchers will end.

March ends at the Gazebo on the Square in downtown Franklin. There will be community organizations with information tables until 5pm.

This is positive, family friendly event. Please bring signs, personal water bottles, and WEAR GREEN!

CARPOOLING is strongly encouraged. Parking is available at Big Bear and also at Mainspring, across the road. We will have signs posted.

Contact forwardfranklinnc@gmail.com for more information or visit the facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/1290528817707288/






SYRINGE EXCHANGE PROGRAM

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



Astronomy

Twilight Begins: 6:22 am
Sunrise: 6:49 am
Sunset 8:15 pm
Twilight Ends: 8:41 pm




Moon Phase: Waning Crescent with 1% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
Moonrise 6:29 am
Moonset 7:28 pm



Evening Events and Planets

Chart shows sky at 10:30 pm tonight




Morning Events and Planets

Chart shows sky at 4 am tomorrow morning



PLANET POSITION SUMMARY



Sky Guides for this week

Sky and Telescope Magazine 
Astronomy Magazine


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

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

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

CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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

If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only.

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

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


Published at 4:05 am on April 25, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

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

Read More