Daily Weather Briefing for Leap Day 2020

Outlook

A clipper system will bring more mountain snow (mainly in the higher elevations) through this morning, with a few rain showers possible elsewhere. After that system exits, dry and cool air will settle over the area for the rest of the weekend. A warm and wet pattern is expected to return early next week. Dry high pressure will return by late Thursday.

The USFS Plan Revision Open House Scheduled for Franklin

An open house to allow members of the community to see and comment on the latest efforts of planning team members to revise the Master Plan for the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests will be held at Tartan Hall on March 24th from 5:30pm to 8:00pm. An overview of the plan will be shared at 6pm. [LINK]

Agenda for March 2020 Town Council Meeting Released

Copies of the public agenda and the agenda packet for the March 2020 meeting of the Franklin Town Council have been published. [LINK]

Recent Meeting Videos Delayed

The video editing computer is down again, so videos of past meetings will take longer to process. I apologize for the delay.


Public Safety Log
(this section is temporarily deprecated until I get caught up with videos from past meetings.



THREE DAY GFS FORECAST
This animated image shows a forecast of precipitation, air pressure and thickness level (cold-air damming) for three days in six-hour increments.
Green, Yellow, and Red indicate rain. Orange and Purple Indicate Freezing Rain or other freezing precipitation. Blue indicates snow.



The next one shows the forecast for rain in 24hour totals over the next few days.



And this one shows the forecast for 24-hour snowfall totals over the same time period.

---

WEATHER SPONSOR



Adams Products, a Division of Oldcastle is underwriting the daily weather briefing & public safety updates for the month.

Open 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, M-F, located at 895 Hickory Knoll Road, Franklin, NC. Visit our Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/Adams.Oldcastle.Franklin.NC/

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

---

Weather Hazards

The National Weather Service is calling for more snow showers today, mainly above 3500 feet. Be careful on area roadways and don't treat them like racetracks.


Winter Weather Advisory
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
400 AM EST Sat Feb 29 2020

...SNOW SHOWERS ACROSS THE NORTH CAROLINA MOUNTAINS ENDING LATE THIS MORNING...

.A passing upper-level disturbance will support continued snow showers, heavy at times, across mountains through the morning hours. The greatest accumulations will occur along the higher ridge tops, especially in and around the Great Smoky Mountains and along the North Carolina/Tennessee border.


...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON EST TODAY ABOVE 3500 FEET...

* WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations of up to one inch. Snowfall rates of one to two inches per hour are possible in heavier bands.

* WHERE...Southern Jackson and Macon Counties.

* WHEN...Until noon EST today.

* IMPACTS...Slippery road conditions with reduced visibility at times.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

Please report snow and ice accumulations by calling the National Weather Service toll free at...1...800...2 6 7...8 1 0 1. Leave a message with your observation and the specific location where it occurred. You can also post your report to National Weather Service Greenville Spartanburg Facebook or tweet your report using hashtag #nwsgsp.

Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio or your favorite source of weather information for the latest updates. Additional details can be found at www.weather.gov/gsp.

---

CROWDFUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES


If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month. Those who support Macon Media with at least a dollar a month receive early access to video of some events and meetings before they are made public on the website. Videos and news involving public safety are not subject to early access.


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

---

WEATHER FORECAST MAPS

Forecast maps for 7 am, 1 pm, and 7 pm.
[click on any image in this article to enlarge]

---

FRANKLIN AREA FORECAST

Today

A 20 percent chance of snow showers before 8am. Partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with highs in the lower 40s. WInds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Tonight

Clear, with lows in the lower 20s. Light and variable winds.

Sunday

Increasing clouds, with highs near 60. Calm winds in the morning increasing to come out of the southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Sunday Night

Mostly cloudy, with lows in the upper 30s. Calm winds.

Monday

Rain likely, mainly in the afternoon. Cloudy, with highs in the low-to-mid 50s. The chance of precipitation is 70%.

Monday Night

Rain. Lows in the mid-40s. The chance of precipitation is 80%.

---

OTTO AREA FORECAST


Today

A 20 percent chance of snow showers before 8am. Partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with highs in the lower 40s. Winds out of the northwest 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Tonight

Clear, with lows in the mid-20s. Winds out of the north 3 to 5 mph.

Sunday

Increasing clouds, with highs in the upper 50s. Calm winds in the morning increasing to come out of the southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Sunday Night

Mostly cloudy, with lows around 40. Light winds out of the south.

Monday

Rain likely, mainly in the afternoon. Cloudy, with highs in the low-to-mid 50s. The chance of precipitation is 70%.

Monday Night

Rain. Lows in the mid-40s. The chance of precipitation is 90%.

---

HIGHLANDS PLATEAU FORECAST


Today

A 20 percent chance of snow showers before 8am. Partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with highs near the mid-30s. Winds out of the northwest 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Tonight

Clear, with lows in the lower 20s. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph.

Sunday

Increasing clouds, with highs near 50. Winds out of the northwest around 5 mph becoming by noon.

Sunday Night

Mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-30s. Winds out of the southwest around 5 mph.

Monday

Rain, mainly in the afternoon. Highs in the mid-40s. The chance of precipitation is 80%.

Monday Night

Rain. Lows near 40. The chance of precipitation is 80%.

---

NANTAHALA AREA FORECAST


Today

A 30 percent chance of snow showers, mainly before 8am. Mostly cloudy through midmorning, then gradual clearing, with highs in the mid-to-upper 30s. Winds out of the northwest around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. New snow accumulation of less than a half-inch possible.

Tonight

Clear, with lows in the lower 20s. Winds out of the northwest around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Sunday

Increasing clouds, with highs in the mid-50s. Calm winds in the morning increasing to come out of the southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Sunday Night

Mostly cloudy, with lows in the upper 30s. Calm winds becoming south around 5 mph by the middle of the evening.

Monday

Rain likely, mainly in the afternoon. Cloudy, with highs near 50. The chance of precipitation is 70%.

Monday Night

Rain. Lows in the mid-40s. The chance of precipitation is 90%.



Published at 5:00am on Saturday, February 29, 2020

Read More

U.S. Forest Service to hold public meetings for Nantahala and Pisgah forest plan throughout March

File photo taken in a July 2017 Revision Plan Meeting



The open house for Macon County will be held on March 24th from 5:30pm to 8:30pm in Tartan Hall.

NEWS RELEASE
National Forests in North Carolina
160A Zillicoa St.
Asheville, N.C. 28801


Asheville, NC, February 28, 2020 - The U.S. Forest Service is currently revising the master plan for the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests. The proposed plan and draft environmental impact statement is available online at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/nfsnc/nprevision for public review and comment. Throughout the month of March, open houses will be held in communities around the forests to give the public an opportunity to talk with planning team members.

Dates and locations for meetings are listed below. At each meeting, an overview of the plan will be presented at 6 pm. The rest of the meeting provides time for people to talk one-on-one with resource specialists. Public comments can later be submitted through our website or by mail so that they can become part of the official record.

The forest plan provides a strategic framework to guide the management of all uses of the national forests, including recreation, timber, water, wilderness, and wildlife habitat. Over the last several years, the U.S. Forest Service developed this plan with the public, local collaboratives, and tribal, state, and county governments. The proposed plan is a product of hearing and incorporating all those voices. The current comment period is an additional opportunity for the public to be part of building a plan that reflects public interests.

Open houses will be held at the following:

March 10, 5:30-8:30 pm at the Foothills Conference Center, 2128 S. Sterling St., Morganton, NC.
March 12, 5:30-8:30 pm at the NC Arboretum Education Center, 100 Frederick Law Olmstead Way, Asheville, NC (The Arboretum will be open to attendees as early as 4:30 pm. The parking fee is waived and each attendee will receive a parking pass. Pets are not allowed in the facility.)
March 16, 5:30-8:30 pm at the Rogow Family Community Room, Brevard Library, 212 S. Gaston St., Brevard, NC.
March 19, 5:30-8:30 pm at the Brasstown Community Center, 255 Settawig Rd., Brasstown, NC.
March 24, 5:30-8:30 pm at the First Presbyterian Church's Tartan Hall, 26 Church Street, Franklin, NC.
March 26, 5:30-8:30 pm at the Bentley Fellowship Hall, 265 Cascade St, Mars Hill, NC.
March 31, 5:30-8:30 pm at the Four Square Community Action Center, 196 Knight St., Robbinsville, NC.
To read the plan or submit a comment, visit our website at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/nfsnc/nprevision. The website has additional materials such as a video, reader's guide, and story maps that provide an overview of the plan.


Past meetings on the Revision Plan in Franklin:

2017 [LINK]

2013 [LINK]


Published at 3:33am on Saturday, February 29, 2020

Read More

Daily Weather Biefing for Friday, February 28, 2020

Outlook

A clipper system will bring more mountain snow between now and Saturday morning, with a few rain showers possible elsewhere. After that system exits, dry and cool air will settle over the area for the rest of the weekend. A warm and wet pattern is expected to return early next week.

Agenda for March 2020 Town Council Meeting Released

Copies of the public agenda and the agenda packet for the March 2020 meeting of the Franklin Town Council have been published. [LINK]

Recent Meeting Videos Delayed

The video editing computer is down again, so videos of past meetings will take longer to process. I apologize for the delay.


Public Safety Log
(this section is temporarily deprecated until I get caught up with videos from past meetings.



THREE DAY GFS FORECAST
This animated image shows a forecast of precipitation, air pressure and thickness level (cold-air damming) for three days in six-hour increments.
Green, Yellow, and Red indicate rain. Orange and Purple Indicate Freezing Rain or other freezing precipitation. Blue indicates snow.



The next one shows the forecast for rain in 24hour totals over the next few days.



And this one shows the forecast for 24-hour snowfall totals over the same time period.

---

WEATHER SPONSOR



Adams Products, a Division of Oldcastle is underwriting the daily weather briefing & public safety updates for the month.

Open 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, M-F, located at 895 Hickory Knoll Road, Franklin, NC. Visit our Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/Adams.Oldcastle.Franklin.NC/

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

---

Weather Hazards

Rain and snow are expected today. While accumulations are not expected, please exercise caution when driving, and please turn on your headlights when it is raining or snowing so other motorists can see you. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for locations in the region that are above 3500 feet, where around 3 inches of snow is expected to accumulate. Down in the valleys, it is possible an inch o so could fall. A copy of the advisory is posted below for your convenience.


NWS Hazardous Outlook

Snow showers may develop across the mountains of western North Carolina and northeast Georgia today and continue tonight. Light accumulations are possible, especially along the higher elevations.

Winter Weather Advisory
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
342 AM EST Fri Feb 28 2020

...SNOW SHOWERS ACROSS THE NORTH CAROLINA MOUNTAINS THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING...

.A passing upper-level disturbance is bringing snow showers back into the North Carolina mountains. The snow will continue off and on through Saturday morning, and could mix with rain at times in the lower mountain valleys. The highest accumulations will occur along the higher ridge tops, especially in and around the Great Smoky Mountains and along the North Carolina/Tennessee border.


...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM THIS MORNING TO NOON EST SATURDAY ABOVE 3500 FEET...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of around an inch in the valleys, but up to 3 inches on ridgetops.

* WHERE...Macon and Southern Jackson Counties in North Carolina.

* WHEN...From 7 AM this morning to noon EST Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute.


PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

Please report snow and ice accumulations by calling the National Weather Service toll free at...1...800...2 6 7...8 1 0 1. Leave a message with your observation and the specific location where it occurred. You can also post your report to National Weather Service Greenville Spartanburg Facebook or tweet your report using hashtag #nwsgsp.

Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio or your favorite source of weather information for the latest updates. Additional details can be found at www.weather.gov/gsp.

---

CROWDFUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES


If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month. Those who support Macon Media with at least a dollar a month receive early access to video of some events and meetings before they are made public on the website. Videos and news involving public safety are not subject to early access.


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

---

WEATHER FORECAST MAPS

Forecast maps for 7 am, 1 pm, and 7 pm.
[click on any image in this article to enlarge]

---

FRANKLIN AREA FORECAST

Today

A chance of snow showers before 10am, then a transition over to all rain by 11am or so. Partly sunny, with highs in the low to mid-40s. Light winds out of the southwest increasing to come out of the west 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. The chance of precipitation is 50%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Tonight

A chance of rain showers before 8pm, then a chance of rain and snow showers between 8pm and 11pm, then a chance of snow showers after 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-20s. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph. The chance of precipitation is 40%. New snow accumulation of less than a half-inch possible.

Saturday

Mostly sunny, with highs in the lower 40s. Winds out of the northwest 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Saturday Night

Mostly clear, with lows in the mid-20s. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Sunday

Sunny, with highs in the upper 50s.

Sunday Night

Mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-to-upper 30s.

---

OTTO AREA FORECAST


Today

A chance of snow showers after 8am, mixing with rain after 1pm. Partly sunny, with highs in the lower 40s. Light winds out of the northwest increasing and shifting to come out of the west 5 to 10 mph by midmorning. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph. The chance of precipitation is 50%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Tonight

A 40 percent chance of snow showers, mainly before 4am. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-to-upper 20s. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Saturday

Partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with highs in the low-to-mid 40s. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Saturday Night

Clear, with lows in the mid-20s. Winds out of the northwest around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.

Sunday

Mostly sunny, with highs in the upper 50s.

Sunday Night

Mostly cloudy, with lows around 40.

---

HIGHLANDS PLATEAU FORECAST


Today

A 40 percent chance of snow showers, mainly after 11am. Partly sunny, with highs in the mid-30s. Winds out of the west 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. New snow accumulation of less than a half-inch possible.

Tonight

A 30 percent chance of snow showers, mainly before 3am. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the lower 20s. Winds out of the northwest 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. New snow accumulation of less than a half-inch possible.

Saturday

Partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with highs in the mid-30s. Winds out of the northwest 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Saturday Night

Clear, with lows around 20. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Sunday

Sunny, with highs near 50.

Sunday Night

Mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-to-upper 30s.

---

NANTAHALA AREA FORECAST


Today

Snow showers likely, mainly after 11am. Increasing clouds, with highs in the mid-30s. Winds out of the west 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. The chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of around an inch possible.

Tonight

A 50 percent chance of snow showers, mainly before 5am. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-20s. Winds out of the west 5 to 10 mph. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Saturday

Partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with highs in the mid-to-upper 30s. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Saturday Night

Clear, with lows in the lower 20s. Calm winds.

Sunday

Mostly sunny, with highs in the mid-50s.

Sunday Night

A 30 percent chance of rain after 5am. Mostly cloudy, with lows around 40.



Published at 5:00am on Friday, February 28, 2020

Read More

Agenda Released for the March 2020 Franklin Town Council Meeting

The Franklin Town Council will be having their regular monthly meeting for March 2020 in the lower level of the town hall on Monday, March 2nd, at 6pm. The public agenda and agenda packet is posted below to encourage transparency and involvement in local government.


Public Agenda

1. Call to Order - Mayor Bob Scott

2. Pledge of Allegiance - Vice Mayor Barbara McRae

3. Adoption of the March 2, 2020, Town Council Agenda

4. Approval of the Consent Agenda for March 2, 2020 - Town Council

A. Approval of the February 3, 21, and 22 Town Council Minutes
B. Budget Amendment
C. Special Use Permit Extension for Verbena Development
D. Set Public Hearing for Land Use Comprehensive Plan
E. Audit Contract with Martin Starnes for FY 19-20
F. Water and Sewer Allocation for 4501 Highway 441 By-Pass, Franklin, NC

5. Public Session

6. New Business

A. Street Closing Request for 80s Flashback Event and Parade - Dave Linn
B. Appointment of Charlie Pinkston to the Franklin Fire and Rescue Relief Fund Board -Town Manager Summer Woodard
C. Budget Amendment for Franklin Fire Department - Town Manager Smmmer Woodard and Fire Chief Matthew Breedlove
D. Proposed Budget Calendar and Work Sessions fo Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Town Budget - Town Manager Summer Woodard
E. Appointment of Town Liaisons - Town Manager Summer Woodard
F. Sewer Line Access for Allman Drive - Council Member David Culpepper

7. Legal

A. Update on 441 South Sidewalks from Wide Horizon Drive to Tractor Supply -Town Manager Summer Woodard and Town Attorney John Henning Jr
B. Discussion on Substance Abuse Partnership with Macon County - Town Manager Summer Woodard and Town Attorney John Henning Jr
C. Discussion on Outdoor Seating Areas - John Henning Jr

8. Announcements

A. Public Input for the Town of Franklin Comprehensive Plan will be Wednesday, March 4, 2020, at 5pm at Tartan Hall
B. Retirement Ceremony for Detective Tacy Chastain will be Thursday, March 19, 2020, from 12pm to 2pm at Town Hall

9. Adjourn


Agenda Packet

[DOWNLOAD PDF]

(agenda packet will be uploaded as soon as internet access allows)


Published at 4:20m on Thursday, February 27, 2020

Read More

US Forest Service Announces Prescribed Burns for Nantahala Ranger District

File photo of the Camp Branch Fire taken in November 2016

Franklin, NC, February 27, 2020  - The U.S. Forest Service is planning 16 prescribed burns on the Nantahala Ranger District in the coming months to reduce the risk of wildfires. The low- to medium-intensity burns also create healthier, more diverse, and more resilient forests that can better support wildlife.

County	Closest Community	Burn Unit	Size (acres)
Macon	Burningtown	Deweese Ridge	840
Macon	Horse Cove	Bull Pen	722
Macon	Nantahala	Fire Gap	1751
Macon	Nantahala	Split Whiteoak	1025
Macon	Nantahala	Hickory Branch	1107
Macon	Nantahala	Yellowhammer	220
Macon	Rainbow Springs	Buzzard Knob	695
Macon	Rainbow Springs	Kimsey Bald	8
Macon	Rainbow Springs	Panther Knob	3000
Jackson	Alarka Laurel	Wolf Knob	574
Jackson	Little Canada	Awl Knob	243
Jackson	Little Canada	Sugar Creek	255
Jackson	Little Canada	Rich Mountain	1201
Jackson	Panthertown	Big Green	497
Jackson	Wayehutta	Locust Gap	255
Jackson	Whitewater Falls	State Line	1700

The dates for the burns and the actual number of units burned will depend upon weather conditions. Burning days are changeable because the proper conditions are needed; wind and relative humidity are key factors in fire behavior, safety, and smoke control. Prescribed burning will only occur when environmental conditions permit. During the burns, proper personnel and equipment will be on site and some roads and trails may be closed to ensure safety.

All prescribed burns are thoroughly planned and analyzed by a team of specialists to ensure that wildlife, fisheries, rare plants, and historic sites are not harmed. Habitat for a variety of wildlife can be improved through carefully-planned and executed prescribed burns. Regular burns promote the growth of plants that provide food for wildlife including important game animals such as deer and turkey.

Prescribed burning is an important and versatile forest management tool that can mimic natural fire disturbances and reduce underbrush and flammable vegetation, which is key to limiting wildfire growth. During the historic fire season of 2016, some fires were quickly extinguished because of previous prescribed burning that had occurred in those areas.

For more information contact the Nantahala Ranger District at 828-524-6441.

DAY SPONSOR

Macon Media is being underwritten today by Franklin Health & Fitness, home of #ResultsForEveryone and the FREE 7-Day Guest Pass.

To claim your guest pass, and to learn more about Franklin Health & Fitness, click here: franklinhealthandfitness.com

Read More

Daily Weather Briefing for Thursday, February 27, 2020

Outlook

A vigorous low-pressure system will continue to track northeastward and over Eastern Canada today, bringing windy conditions to our area. Mountain snow is expected through early this morning and again Friday through Saturday morning. Otherwise, dry and cool air settles over the area for the rest of the weekend. A warm and wet pattern is expected to return early next week.

Franklin Area School Delay

Due to current weather conditions, Macon County Schools- Franklin area - will operate on a two-hour delay today, Thursday, February 27, 2020, with no buses on icy roads. [LINK]

5:34am update: Highlands School is now on a two-hour delay. [LINK]

County Offices to Close Early for Funeral



County Offices will be closing at 1:30pm today so county employees may attend the funeral of Lynn Wright, who was the Assistant IT Director for the County. She passed away Sunday morning after an automobile accident. [OBITUARY]

DAY SPONSOR

Macon Media is being underwritten today by Franklin Health & Fitness, home of #ResultsForEveryone and the FREE 7-Day Guest Pass.

To claim your guest pass, and to learn more about Franklin Health & Fitness, click here: franklinhealthandfitness.com



Recent Meeting Videos Delayed

The video editing computer is down again, so videos of past meetings will take longer to process. I apologize fo the delay.


Public Safety Log
(this section is temporarily deprecated until I get caught up with videos from past meetings.



THREE DAY GFS FORECAST
This animated image shows a forecast of precipitation, air pressure and thickness level (cold-air damming) for three days in six-hour increments.
Green, Yellow, and Red indicate rain. Orange and Purple Indicate Freezing Rain or other freezing precipitation. Blue indicates snow.



The next one shows the forecast for rain in 24hour totals over the next few days.



And this one shows the forecast for 24-hour snowfall totals over the same time period.

---

WEATHER SPONSOR



Adams Products, a Division of Oldcastle is underwriting the daily weather briefing & public safety updates for the month.

Open 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, M-F, located at 895 Hickory Knoll Road, Franklin, NC. Visit our Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/Adams.Oldcastle.Franklin.NC/

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

---

Weather Hazards

Dense fog is expected to form this morning, so slow down on your morning commute and turn on your headlights so other people can see your vehicle. A wind advisory is scheduled to take effect from 4pm this afternoon until 7pm tomorrow night, so you may want to secure loose objects and be prepared for potential power outages. Temperatures are also expected to drop below freezing and combined with high winds, dangerous wind chill values will result, making it hazardous on exposed skin overnight tonight and tomorrow night. More details about each of these hazards is posted below for your convenience.


*********
BLACK ICE
*********

...SLIPPERY ROADS AND BLACK ICE POSSIBLE ACROSS MUCH OF THE NORTH CAROLINA MOUNTAINS THURSDAY MORNING...

Snow showers will develop across the North Carolina mountains and continue overnight. Accumulations are expected mainly at elevations above 3500 feet, but light accumulations will also be possible in the lower mountain valleys. With temperatures falling into the teens and 20s across the mountains by daybreak on Thursday, black ice and slippery road conditions are likely to develop in any locations receiving precipitation.

Temperatures may not warm back above the freezing mark in some locations until the afternoon. Use extreme caution if traveling in the North Carolina mountains overnight through Thursday morning.


*************
WIND ADVISORY
*************

...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EST THURSDAY...

* WHAT...Northwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts of 40 to 50 mph at times.

* WHERE...The central and southern mountains of western North Carolina.

* WHEN...Until 7 PM EST Thursday, with the strongest winds overnight through the morning hours Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.

---

CROWDFUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES


If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month. Those who support Macon Media with at least a dollar a month receive early access to video of some events and meetings before they are made public on the website. Videos and news involving public safety are not subject to early access.


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

---

WEATHER FORECAST MAPS

Forecast maps for 7 am, 1 pm, and 7 pm.
[click on any image in this article to enlarge]

---

FRANKLIN AREA FORECAST

Today

Sunny, with highs near 40. Winds out of the northwest 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with lows in the mid-20s. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph.

Friday

A slight chance of snow showers before 11am, then a slight chance of rain and snow showers between 11am and noon, then a chance of rain showers after noon. Partly sunny, with highs in the mid-40s. Calm winds in the morning increasing to come out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. The chance of precipitation is 30%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Friday Night

A chance of rain and snow showers before 10pm, then a chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the upper 20s. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph. The chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday

Mostly sunny, with highs in the low-to-mid 40.

Saturday Night

Mostly clear, with lows in the mid-20s.

---

OTTO AREA FORECAST


Today

Partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with highs in the lower 40s. Winds out of the northwest 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Thursday Night

Mostly clear, with lows in the mid-to-upper 20s. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph.

Friday

A slight chance of snow showers between 8am and 10am, then a chance of rain showers. Partly sunny, with highs in the low-to-mid 40s. Winds out of the west 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. The chance of precipitation is 30%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Friday Night

A chance of rain showers before 10pm, then a chance of rain and snow showers between 10pm and midnight, then a chance of snow showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-to-upper 20s. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph. The chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday

Mostly sunny, with highs in the lower 40s.

Saturday Night

Mostly clear, with lows in the mid-20s.

---

HIGHLANDS PLATEAU FORECAST


Today

Partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 32. Breezy, with winds out of the northwest 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph.

Thursday Night

Mostly clear, with lows in the low-to-mid 20s. Winds out of the northwest 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Friday

A slight chance of snow showers after 9am, mixing with rain after 2pm. Partly sunny, with highs in the mid-30s. Winds out of the west 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. The chance of precipitation is 20%.

Friday Night

A 30 percent chance of snow showers, mainly before 2am. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the lower 20s. Winds out of the northwest 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Saturday

Mostly sunny, with highs in the mid-30s.

Saturday Night

Mostly clear, with lows in the mid-20s.

---

NANTAHALA AREA FORECAST


Today

A 30 percent chance of snow showers, mainly before 7am. Mostly cloudy through midmorning, then gradual clearing, with highs in the mid-to-upper 30s. Winds out of the northwest 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. New snow accumulation of less than a half-inch possible.

Thursday Night

Increasing clouds, with lows in the mid-20s. Winds out of the west 5 to 10 mph.

Friday

A chance of snow showers before noon, then a chance of rain and snow showers between noon and 1pm, then a chance of rain showers after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with highs in the upper 30s. Winds out of the west 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. The chance of precipitation is 50%. New snow accumulation of less than a half-inch possible.

Friday Night

A chance of rain and snow showers before 8pm, then a chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-20s. Winds out of the west 5 to 10 mph. The chance of precipitation is 50%.

Saturday

A 20 percent chance of snow showers before 11am. Mostly sunny, with highs in the upper 30s.

Saturday Night

Mostly clear, with lows in the mid-20s.



Published at 5:00am on Thursday, February 27, 2020

Read More

Daily Weather Briefing for Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Outlook

A vigorous low-pressure system will move across the Ohio River valley today and into Canada on Thursday, bringing breezy conditions to our area for the next couple of days. Other than some mountain snow Wednesday night and early Thursday and again Friday through Saturday morning, expect dry and cool weather through the weekend.

Recent Meeting Videos Delayed

The video editing computer is down again, so videos of past local government meetings will take longer to process. I apologize for the delay.


Public Safety Log
(this section is temporarily deprecated until I get caught up with videos from past meetings.



THREE DAY GFS FORECAST
This animated image shows a forecast of precipitation, air pressure and thickness level (cold-air damming) for three days in six-hour increments.
Green, Yellow, and Red indicate rain. Orange and Purple Indicate Freezing Rain or other freezing precipitation. Blue indicates snow.



The next one shows the forecast for rain in 24hour totals over the next few days.



And this one shows the forecast for 24-hour snowfall totals over the same time period.

---

WEATHER SPONSOR



Adams Products, a Division of Oldcastle is underwriting the daily weather briefing & public safety updates for the month.

Open 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, M-F, located at 895 Hickory Knoll Road, Franklin, NC. Visit our Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/Adams.Oldcastle.Franklin.NC/

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

---

Weather Hazards

Dense fog is expected to form this morning, so slow down on your morning commute and turn on your headlights so other people can see your vehicle. A wind advisory is scheduled to take effect from 4pm this afternoon until 7pm tomorrow night, so you may want to secure loose objects and be prepared for potential power outages. Temperatures are also expected to drop below freezing, and combined with high winds, dangerous wind chill values will result, making it hazardous on exposed skin oven ight tonight and tomorrow night. More details about each of these hazards is posted below for your convenience.


*********
DENSE FOG
*********

Patchy dense fog will continue through the morning across portions of Northeast Georgia, the western Upstate, and the North Carolina mountains. The dense fog will be more likely near lakes and rivers and in mountain valleys. The fog will reduce visibility to one quarter miles at times.

Drivers should use caution this morning as visibilities will vary greatly and change quickly. Be especially cautions near lakes and rivers and in mountain valleys. Allow extra travel time, use low beam headlights and fog lamps, and allow extra stopping distance. The fog should dissipate around 9 AM.


*************
WIND ADVISORY
*************

...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 7 PM EST THURSDAY...

* WHAT...Northwest winds 15 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected.

* WHERE...Much of western North Carolina.

* WHEN...From 4 PM this afternoon to 7 PM EST Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.


****************
TEMPERATURE DROP
****************

Temperatures will fall rapidly this evening behind a passing cold front, bringing snow showers to the higher elevations and locations along and near the North Carolina/Tennessee Border. This will cause slippery conditions on some roadways. In addition, wind gusts in the 35 to 45 mph range are likely Wednesday night and Thursday over the higher elevations, topping 50 mph at some ridge top locations.

---

CROWDFUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES


If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month. Those who support Macon Media with at least a dollar a month receive early access to video of some events and meetings before they are made public on the website. Videos and news involving public safety are not subject to early access.


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

---

WEATHER FORECAST MAPS

Forecast maps for 7 am, 1 pm, and 7 pm.
[click on any image in this article to enlarge]

---

FRANKLIN AREA FORECAST

Today

Showers likely, mainly after 4pm. Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with highs in the upper 50s. Light and variable winds in the morning increasing to come out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. The chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Tonight

A chance of rain and snow showers before midnight, then a slight chance of snow showers between midnight and 4am. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-20s. Wind chill values could dip into the mid-teens overnight. Winds out of the northwest 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. The chance of precipitation is 40%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Thursday

Sunny, with highs in the lower 40s. Winds out of the northwest 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Thursday Night

Mostly clear, with lows in the low-to-mid 20s. Winds out of the northwest 3 to 7 mph.

Friday

A slight chance of snow showers between 8am and 10am, then a chance of rain showers. Partly sunny, with highs in the low-to-mid 40s. Light winds out of the northwest increasing and shifting to come out of the west 10 to 15 mph by midmorning. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph. The chance of precipitation is 30%.

Friday Night

A chance of rain showers before 9pm, then a transition period of rain and snow, then a chance of snow showers after 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-to-upper 20s. The chance of precipitation is 30%.

---

OTTO AREA FORECAST


Today

A 50 percent chance of showers, mainly after 1pm. Patchy fog between 7am and 8am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with highs in the upper 50s. Light and variable winds in the morning increasing to come out of the west 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Tonight

A chance of rain showers before 1am, then a slight chance of snow showers before tapering off around 2am or so. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-20s. Winds out of the northwest 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance f precipitation is 30%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Thursday

Sunny, with highs in the lower 40s. Winds out of the northwest 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Thursday Night

Mostly clear, with lows in the mid-20s. WInds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph.

Friday

A slight chance of snow showers between 8am and 10am, then a chance of rain showers. Partly sunny, with highs in the low-to-mid 40s. Winds out of the west 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. The chance of precipitation is 30%.

Friday Night

A chance of rain showers before 9pm, then a slight chance of rain and snow showers between 9pm and 11pm, then a slight chance of snow showers after 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the upper 20s. The chance of precipitation is 30%.

---

HIGHLANDS PLATEAU FORECAST


Today

A 50 percent chance of showers, mainly after 2pm. Partly sunny, with highs near 50. Light and variable winds in the morning increasing and shifting to come out of the west 110 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Tonight

A chance of rain and snow showers before 8pm, then a slight chance of snow showers between 8pm and 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with lows around 20. Wind chills values will be in the teens and could dip into the single digits overnight. Winds out of the northwest 20 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. The chance of precipitation is 30%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Thursday

Sunny, with highs in the mid-30s. Wind chill values will be in the 20s most of the day. Winds out of the northwest 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.

Thursday Night

Mostly clear, with lows around 20. Wind chill values will be in the teens overnight. Winds out of the northwest 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Friday

A slight chance of rain and snow showers before 2pm, then a slight chance of rain showers between 2pm and 4pm, then a slight chance of rain and snow showers after 4pm. Partly sunny, with highs in the mid-30s. Winds out of the west 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. The chance of precipitation is 20%.

Friday Night

A 20 percent chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-20s.

---

NANTAHALA AREA FORECAST


Today

Showers, mainly after 11am. Highs near 50. Light winds out of the southwest in the morning increasing and shifting to come out of the west 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. The chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Tonight

Rain showers likely before 8pm, then a chance of rain and snow showers between 8pm and 10pm, then a chance of snow showers after 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the low-to-mid 20s. Winds out of the northwest 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. The chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than a half-inch possible.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy through midmorning, then gradual clearing, with highs in the mid-to-upper 30s. Winds out of the northwest 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Thursday Night

Mostly clear, with lows in the lower 20s. Winds out of the northwest 3 to 8 mph.

Friday

A chance of snow showers before 11am, then a chance of rain and snow showers between 11am and 1pm, then a chance of rain showers after 1pm. Partly sunny, with highs in the upper 30s. Light winds out of the west increasing and shifting to come out of the southwest 5 to 15 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph. The chance of precipitation is 40%.

Friday Night

A chance of rain and snow showers before 8pm, then a chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-20s. The chance of precipitation is 40%.



Published at 5:30am on Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Read More

Daily Weather Briefing for Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Outlook

A vigorous low-pressure system will move across the Ohio River valley today and into Wednesday, keeping our weather unsettled through the middle of the week. Expect breezy conditions from late Wednesday into Thursday with below normal temperatures through the weekend.


Public Safety Log
(this section is temporarily deprecated until I get caught up with videos from past meetings.



THREE DAY GFS FORECAST
This animated image shows a forecast of precipitation, air pressure and thickness level (cold-air damming) for three days in six-hour increments.
Green, Yellow, and Red indicate rain. Orange and Purple Indicate Freezing Rain or other freezing precipitation. Blue indicates snow.



The next one shows the forecast for rain in 24hour totals over the next few days.



And this one shows the forecast for 24-hour snowfall totals over the same time period.

---

WEATHER SPONSOR



Adams Products, a Division of Oldcastle is underwriting the daily weather briefing & public safety updates for the month.

Open 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, M-F, located at 895 Hickory Knoll Road, Franklin, NC. Visit our Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/Adams.Oldcastle.Franklin.NC/

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

---

Weather Hazards

Any water running off or left standing from the rain and light snow (LOL) we received late Thursday will freeze on untreated road surfaces during the pre-dawn hours on today. Patchy black ice can be expected, especially on secondary roads and residential streets, during the morning commute today.

Temperatures are expected to climb back above freezing around noon or 1 pm in the mountain valleys, but will probably stay below freezing all day above 3500 feet.

---

CROWDFUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES


If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month. Those who support Macon Media with at least a dollar a month receive early access to video of some events and meetings before they are made public on the website. Videos and news involving public safety are not subject to early access.


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

---

WEATHER FORECAST MAPS

Forecast maps for 7 am, 1 pm, and 7 pm.
[click on any image in this article to enlarge]

---

FRANKLIN AREA FORECAST

Today

A 30 percent chance of showers before 7am. Patchy fog before 10am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with highs in the mid-60s. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Tonight

Patchy fog after 5am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with lows in the upper 30s. Light winds out of the northwest.

Wednesday

A 50 percent chance of showers, mainly after 10am. Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with highs in the mid-50s. Light and variable winds in the morning increasing to come out of the west 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Wednesday Night

A chance of rain showers before 11pm, then a chance of rain and snow showers between 11pm and midnight, then a chance of snow showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-20s. WInds out of the northwest 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. The chance of precipitation is 30%.

Thursday

Mostly sunny, with highs in the lower 40s.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with lows in the low-to-mid 20s.

---

OTTO AREA FORECAST


Today

A 30 percent chance of showers before 7am. Patchy fog before 10am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with highs in the mid-60s. Winds out of the northwest 3 to 8 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Tonight

Mostly cloudy, with lows around 40. Winds out of the northwest 3 to 5 mph.

Wednesday

A 50 percent chance of showers, mainly after 10am. Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with highs in the mid-50s. Light and variable winds increasing to come out of the west 5 to 10 mph by midmorning. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Wednesday Night

A chance of rain and snow showers before midnight, then a chance of snow showers between midnight and 4am. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-20s. Winds out of the northwest 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. The chance of precipitation is 30%.

Thursday

Mostly sunny, with highs in the lower 40s.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with lows in the mid-20s.

---

HIGHLANDS PLATEAU FORECAST


Today
A 30 percent chance of showers before 7am. Areas of fog before 10am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with highs in the mid-50s. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Tonight

Mostly cloudy, with lows around 40. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday

A 40 percent chance of showers, mainly after 10am. Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with highs in the upper 40s. Winds out of the west 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Wednesday Night

A chance of rain and snow showers before 9pm, then a chance of snow showers between 9pm and 3am. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the lower 20s. Winds out of the northwest 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. The chance of precipitation is 30%.

Thursday

Mostly sunny, with highs in the mid-30s.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with lows around 20.

---

NANTAHALA AREA FORECAST


Today

A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before 7am. Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with highs in the mid-50s. Winds out of the west 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Tonight

Mostly cloudy, with lows around 40. Winds out of the southwest 3 to 5 mph.

Wednesday

Showers likely, mainly after 1pm. Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with highs near 50. Light winds out of the southwest increasing to come out of the southwest 5 to 10 mph by midmorning. The chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Wednesday Night

A chance of rain showers before 10pm, then a chance of rain and snow showers between 10pm and 11pm, then a chance of snow showers after 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the low-to-mid 20s. WInds out of the northwest 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. The chance of precipitation is 50%.

Thursday

Mostly sunny, with highs in the mid-to-upper 30s.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with lows in the lower 20s.



Published at 5:00am on Tuesday, February 24, 2020

Read More