FEMA Lays It All Out for Macon County Survivors That May Need to Apply for Disaster Recovery Grants

Photo taken by Bobby Coggins on October 25, 2024, during a FEMA survey of the Cullasaja Community.

 

Editor's Note: FEMA is currently operating a Disaster Recovery Center in meeting room A/B in the Macon County Health Department.

FEMA Also Provides Free Legal Assistance for Eligible Applicants – Take a Look:

The agency has also rolled out details supporting Legal Assistance which can play a pivotal role in many contractual situations.
This service is provided for eligible applicants at no cost.

 

Typical services include assistance with:

• Insurance policies and claims.
• Foreclosure and mortgage issues.
• Home repair contracts and contractors.
• Landlord-tenant disputes.
• Document replacement.
• Government benefits information.
• FEMA appeals.
• Fraud.

Here are all of the outlined programs with itemized details supporting various categories disaster survivors should consider assessing if they may have any associated incurred loss.

These are the programs:

Housing Assistance
Rental Assistance  Lodging Expense Reimbursement  Home Repair or Replacement  Accessibility Needs  Privately-owned Roads, Bridges, Docks Temporary Housing   Hazard Mitigation

Other Needs Assistance
Displacement  Childcare  Clean and Sanitize  Funeral  Group Flood Insurance Policy  Medical/Dental  Personal Property  Transportation

 

Listed below are other key FEMA Updates that may also be newsworthy to disaster survivors looking for disaster recovery direction: 

Nov. 18, 2024

Key Messages

• FEMA has approved $241 million to more than 133,000 households and individuals beginning their recovery.
• FEMA has approved more than $251 million in Public Assistance funding in North Carolina to support community recovery.
• FEMA is providing multiple temporary housing options to meet North Carolinians’ individual needs. More than 4,800 households are checked in to Transitional Sheltering Assistance hotels and motels. The first step to receiving housing assistance is applying with FEMA.

FEMA Home Inspections: What to Expect

• Within 10 days of submitting an application, FEMA staff and inspectors may call to discuss your disaster-caused damage and schedule an appointment for an inspection.
• The call to schedule an inspection will probably come from an out-of-state phone number. An inspector will attempt to contact you three times over three different days. If inspectors cannot reach you after three attempts, your case will be closed until you contact FEMA again.
• Within 10 days following an inspector’s visit, you will receive a letter or electronic correspondence explaining FEMA’s decision. Please read your letter carefully. It may have information about next steps you need to take.

Do Not Forget, FEMA is Hiring – Apply Online: 
Come and Join Us as We Continue Working Towards Disaster Recovery Here in Western North Carolina

• FEMA is hiring in Asheville, Durham, Hickory and Raleigh to support community recovery. Applications are being accepted online. To see open positions and apply, visit usajobs.gov, type keywords “FEMA, Local Hire” and enter the location as “North Carolina.” Learn more about the journey of a local hire by watching this video: FEMA Local Hire: Cliffton J

Direct Temporary Housing Assistance

• An opportunity for all media outlets to learn more about this program will be forthcoming in the very near future.
• FEMA offers several types of housing assistance and temporary shelter solutions for eligible households. Direct Temporary Housing Assistance is approved for 25 counties as an interim solution to permanent housing needs. Learn more about housing assistance options and eligibility by watching this video: Direct Housing Assistance available in North Carolina for Helene Survivors.

Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) Still Available

§  Through TSA, FEMA pays directly to participating hotels and motels to cover the cost of room, taxes and non-refundable pet fees to provide short term accommodations for eligible disaster survivors. What this means is if you or someone you know is unhoused due to Hurricane Helene, please suggest they apply with FEMA.  If you are eligible for TSA, FEMA will notify you using the contact information you provided on your application. 

Online Application is Fastest Way to FEMA Assistance

§  Homeowners and renters affected by a disaster can apply for federal assistance in several ways: Online at DisasterAssistance.gov, Via the FEMA App (fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/mobile-products), Calling 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.

Appeal a Decision

• If you disagree with your decision letter after reading and following all of the instructions as indicated on the letter, there are other options.
• You can appeal any FEMA decision or award amount by sending additional documents, like estimates for repairs, receipts, bills, etc., that show you qualify and need more help. Each decision letter from FEMA explains why you are ineligible and the types of documents to help you appeal. For more details, please visit: https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/how-appeal-fema-decision-1. 

N.C. Disaster Recovery Centers

• A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is a one-stop shop to meet with FEMA representatives, apply for FEMA assistance, receive referrals to local assistance, apply with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for low-interest disaster loans and more. No appointment is needed. To find a Disaster Recovery Center nearest you go to: FEMA.gov/drc/
  You can visit any open center, including locations in other states.

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FEMA Field Team Seeks to Assist the People of Macon County with Damage from Helene

Here is an interview I (Bobby) did with La-Tanga Hopes B.A., M.P.A, a Media Relations Specialist with FEMA regarding the role FEMA plays in disaster recovery. She was assisting FEMA Strike Team Six in their effort to canvass the Cullasaja Community, looking to assist people with filing for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. If you are a victim of a federally declared disaster, such as Hurricane Helene or Hurricane Milton, please visit disasterassistance.gov to find out more. They are working out of the county distribution center in the old Holly Springs Ingles building.

FEMA Strike Team Six in Cullasaja | Macon Media



Here are some of the photos I took as I observed themdoing their work contacting residents and letting them know how FEMA could help them.

Here is a press release that was sent to Macon Media on Friday as I was out with Strike Team Six.

PRESS RELEASE (10-25-2024)
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

Over the last month, FEMA and people from across the country have come together to support communities affected by Hurricane Helene. From nonprofits and faith-based organizations to government officials, individuals and the private sector, the response has been a whole-of-community effort.

Our shared goal is to get people back on their feet and set them up for success. We will be alongside them for as long as it takes.

Here’s how far we’ve come.

By the Numbers

Since response efforts began, we’ve deployed more than 5,000 personnel to support affected areas. Some of these personnel are set up at Disaster Recovery Centers, which are located near affected areas. These centers provide survivors in person help with disaster assistance applications. FEMA personnel are also walking door-to-door offering to answer questions and to help with the FEMA application process.

FEMA’s state, local, tribal and industry partners worked together to restore 99% of power outages. We’ve made sure people who lost their homes have shelter. We’ve helped hundreds of thousands of people apply for disaster assistance.

Helping Survivors



Helping people is the core of FEMA’s mission and has been our focus since day one. Within the past month, FEMA has now approved over $1.4 billion, which includes $883 million in assistance for individuals and families affected and over $524 million for debris removal and activities to save lives, protect public health and safety and prevent damage to public and private property. These funds help survivors with housing repairs, personal property replacement, rental assistance, accessibility needs and other essentials.

We’ve also visited affected communities to help survivors with their unique needs. In one recent case in Georgia, FEMA personnel worked with a family who needed reasonable accommodations which allowed them to keep their son’s medical equipment sanitary. FEMA personnel helped them through the process. The family was able to secure a six-month rental property and the funds they received from FEMA will cover the cost.

Working Alongside Organizations



Recovery doesn’t happen without the help of our partners. Nonprofits, faith-based organizations and community groups have all come together to assist affected communities. They’ve provided hot meals, shared resources on where to find emotional support and helped clear debris from roads.

Working with Other Government Agencies

The full force of the government came together to respond to Hurricane Helene and provide critical support. Leaders were on the ground assessing damage and listening to survivors. From repairing damaged roads to helping individuals replace a damaged driver’s license, our government partners play an essential role in recovery efforts.

Find More Information

Visit Hurricane Helene | FEMA.gov or follow us on social media [LINK] for the latest information on Hurricane Helene recovery. 

Want to contribute to response efforts? Visit the FEMA Blog [LINK] for more information how to help survivors. 


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Published at 3.10am on Monday, October 28, 2024
Author: Bobby Coggins

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Weather Briefing for Thursday, October 24, 2024

GENERAL OUTLOOK

Broad high pressure will spread back over the region today. Another cold front will move thru the region on Saturday bringing cooler weather for Sunday and early next week.

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NEWS UPDATES

Governor Cooper Disaster Recovery Budget Press Conference 10-23-24



• Helene did record $53B in damage to NC, Cooper says. Now he wants billions more in state aid [WRAL-TV (Raleigh, NC)]
• Early Voting Locations in Macon and Jackson Counties for 2024 [Macon Media]
• Franklin Chamber of Commerce Announces 2024 Christmas Parade Plans and Grand Marshal [Macon Media)]
• FEMA aids over 94,000 families in WNC, explores long-term housing options [WLOS-TV (Asheville, NC)]

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GENERAL FORECAST

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

.TODAY...Sunny. Highs in the lower 70s. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph.
.TONIGHT...Clear. Lows in the mid 40s. Winds out of the northwest around 5 mph in the evening, becoming light and variable before midnight.
.FRIDAY...Sunny. Highs in the lower 70s. Winds out of the southwest around 5 mph.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 50s. Winds out of the west around 5 mph.
.SATURDAY...Sunny. Highs in the lower 70s. Winds out of the northwest around 5 mph.
.SATURDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 40s.

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HAZARDOUS WEATHER

Hazardous is not expected today or tonight.

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Published at 4.20am on Thursday, October 24, 2024
Author: Bobby Coggins

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Weather Briefing for Thursday, October 17, 2024 State Reports Additional Death Due to Helene in Macon County

GENERAL OUTLOOK

Dry high pressure will control our weather for the better part of the next week. Although it will be cool today, a gradual warmup is expected through the weekend, with normal temperatures by Sunday, and then above normal early next week.Dry high pressure will control our weather for the better part of the next week. Although it will be cool today, a gradual warmup is expected through the weekend, with normal temperatures by Sunday, and then above normal early next week.

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NEWS UPDATES


An additional death due to Helene was reported in Macon County via Asheville Watchdog, bringing the total known local deaths due to Helene to two people:
• A 68 year old male was reported in Macon County on 10/4/24 after passing from hypothermia due to environmental exposure, no additional details at this time.
• A 75 year old male died in Macon County and was recovered on 9/28/24 after his truck drove into a flooded road.

• Early Voting Locations in Macon and Jackson Counties for 2024 [Macon Media]
• Crashes, drownings, exposure, trees, blunt force: Medical Examiner’s list paints grim picture of causes of Helene deaths [Asheville Watchdog]
• Residents in Western North Carolina Can Apply for Help Buying Food Following Hurricane Helene [Macon Media]
• Gov. Cooper surveys Mitchell, Yancey Counties' storm damage; addresses long-term recovery [WLOS-TV (Asheville, NC)]
• ‘Operation Airdrop’: Volunteers take to the skies to deliver disaster aid [Smoky Mountain News]
• First flu death of 2024-2025 season hits North Carolina; state urges vaccination [WRAL-Tv (Raleigh, NC)]



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

.TODAY...Areas of frost in the morning. Sunny. Highs in the upper 40s. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph.
..TONIGHT...Areas of frost in the morning. Sunny. Highs in the upper 40s. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph.
..FRIDAY...Sunny. Highs in the upper 50s. Winds out of the east around 5 mph.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Clear. Lows in the upper 30s. Winds out of the east around 5 mph.
.SATURDAY...Sunny. Highs in the lower 60s.
.SATURDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 40s.

HAZARDOUS WEATHER

A Freeze Warning will remain in effect until 10am this morning. Another one may be issued for tonight and Friday morning as cold air will remain in place through tonight, potentially leading to areas of frost tonight and early Friday morning.




...FREEZE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM TO 10 AM EDT THURSDAY...

* WHAT...Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 28 expected.

* WHERE...The mountains and northern foothills of North Carolina and Rabun County Georgia.

* WHEN...From 2 AM to 10 AM EDT Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold. In-ground sprinkler systems should be drained. Remove hoses and cover above- ground pipes.

Read More

Weather Briefing for Wednesday, October 16, 2024

GENERAL OUTLOOK

Cold and dry high pressure will control our weather today and Thursday, bringing the risk of frost and freeze to the mountains, foothills, and portions of the Piedmont and Upstate tonight and Thursday night. As this high pressure moves off the East Coast at the end of the week, a southerly flow of air develops, resulting in a slow warming trend over the weekend and continuing into early next week.

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Email: admin@nurturewithinnc.com
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NEWS UPDATES

• Residents in Western North Carolina Can Apply for Help Buying Food Following Hurricane Helene [Macon Media]

• 92 people unaccounted for in North Carolina, says Gov. Cooper during latest Helene update [WLOS-TV (Asheville, NC)]

• Concert for Carolina will be livestreamed ($24.99), Scotty McCreery joins lineup of NC stars [WRAL-TV (Raleigh, NC)]

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


.TODAY...Partly sunny this morning, then becoming mostly sunny. Areas of frost this morning. Highs in the lower 40s. Winds out of the northwest 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
..TONIGHT...Mostly clear. Areas of frost after midnight. Cold with lows in the upper 20s. Winds out of the northwest 10 to 15 mph.
..THURSDAY...Areas of frost in the morning. Sunny. Highs around 50. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph.
..THURSDAY NIGHT...Clear. Areas of frost after midnight. Lows in the lower 30s. Winds out of the north around 5 mph.
..FRIDAY...Sunny. Highs in the upper 50s. Winds out of the east around 5 mph.
..FRIDAY NIGHT...Clear. Lows in the upper 30s.

HAZARDOUS WEATHER

The coldest air of the season so far has settled over the Macon County and the region. Areas of frost and a light freeze in some of the valleys may occur. Snow showers and flurries are also possible overnight.



...FROST ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TO 11 AM EDT TODAY...
...FREEZE WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY MORNING...

* WHAT...For the Frost Advisory, temperatures of 33 to 37 will be cold enough to allow frost formation. For the Freeze Watch, sub-freezing temperatures as low as 28 will be possible.

* WHERE...Portions of the mountains and foothills of the western Carolinas and far northeast Georgia.

* WHEN...For the Frost Advisory, from 1 AM to 11 AM EDT Wednesday. For the Freeze Watch, from late Wednesday night through Thursday morning.

* IMPACTS...Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold. In-ground sprinkler systems should be drained. Remove hoses and cover above- ground pipes.

Read More

Weather Briefing for Tuesday, October 15, 2024

GENERAL OUTLOOK

Cold and dry high pressure controls our weather for much of the week bringing the risk of frost and freeze to the mountains, foothills, and portions of the Piedmont in mid week. As this high pressure moves off the East Coast at the end of the week, a southerly flow of air develops, resulting in a slow warming trend over the weekend.

WEATHER SPONSOR

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Email: admin@nurturewithinnc.com
Call: 828-392-6653


NEWS UPDATES

• Residents in Western North Carolina Can Apply for Help Buying Food Following Hurricane Helene [Macon Media]

• Man charged with making threats against FEMA workers in North Carolina [WLOS-TV (Asheville, NC)]

• Live Updates: 125 fatalities in NC; Federal funding for disaster clean up jobs [BPR News]

• Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is rising higher in the evening sky. Here’s where to look [Astronomy Magazine]

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


.TODAY...Mostly sunny in the morning, then becoming mostly cloudy. Areas of frost in the morning. Highs in the mid 50s. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph.
.TONIGHT...Mostly cloudy in the evening, then becoming partly cloudy. Cold with lows in the lower 30s. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.
.WEDNESDAY...Sunny. Highs around 50. Winds out of the north 5 to 10 mph. Gusts up to 25 mph in the morning.
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Areas of frost after midnight. Cold with lows in the upper 20s. North winds 5 to 10 mph.
.THURSDAY...Areas of frost in the morning. Sunny. Highs in the upper 50s.
.THURSDAY NIGHT...Clear. Lows in the mid 30s.

HAZARDOUS WEATHER

The coldest air of the season so far is expected to settle over the Southern Appalachians during the middle of the week. Areas of frost and possibly a light freeze in some of the valleys may occur across the North Carolina mountains, foothills and Northwest Piedmont and the mountains of northeast Georgia and the Upstate Tuesday night and Wednesday night.

FROST ADVISORY
URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
930 PM EDT Mon Oct 14 2024

...FROST ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM EDT TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Temperatures as low as 33 will result in frost formation.

* WHERE...Graham, Haywood, Macon, Northern Jackson, Southern Jackson, Swain, and Transylvania Counties.

* WHEN...Until 9 AM EDT Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Frost could harm sensitive outdoor vegetation. Sensitive outdoor plants may be killed if left uncovered.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.

Read More

Residents in Western North Carolina Can Apply for Help Buying Food Following Hurricane Helene

PRESS RELEASE (10-14-2024)
Macon County Dept. of Social Services

The United States Department of Agriculture and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services have announced that Macon County is eligible to receive Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) as a result of Hurricane Helene. Macon County is one of the 25 counties in North Carolina that was declared eligible for individual assistance by Governor Roy Cooper. Any household that resided within one of the designated counties at the time of the September 2024 storm (Hurricane Helene) and suffered disaster losses may be eligible to receive temporary D-SNAP assistance. D-SNAP benefits are provide via an electronic debit-like card and can be used to purchase food items at grocery stores and other authorized retailers.

To be eligible, a person MUST:

•  Live in one of the 25 designated counties
•  Be a member of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians living in zip code 28719
• Have suffered losses/damages related to Hurricane Helene, such as damage to property or loss of income
•  Have proof of identity and proof of residency (if available)
•  Have income and resources below certain levels
•  Not currently be receiving benefits through the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) program. People receiving FNS can also get extra help buying food, but do not need to fill out a D-SNAP application.

Please note that residents seeking assistance may apply beginning Friday, October 18, 2024 through Thursday, October 24, 2024 for the D-SNAP. To apply, please visit the Macon County Distribution Center located in the vacant Ingles at 183 Holly Springs Plaza, Franklin, North Carolina or call the D-SNAP Virtual Call Center at 1-844-453-1117. Weekday hours of D-SNAP at the Macon County Distribution Center are 8:00am to 4:00pm and weekend hours are 9:00am to 2:00pm.

Residents can also use the online ePASS Pre-Registration Tool, which will open on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 and close on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. Once the pre-registration is completed, applicants will be issued a confirmation number and will receive a call to complete the interview part of the application.

Read More

Weekend News and Weather Briefing for Sunday, October 13, 2024

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National News

Here is the news and weather briefing for Macon County.

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GENERAL OUTLOOK

A warming trend continues through today. A cold front crosses the region on Monday, ushering in much colder air. A second cold front by midweek could lead to frost and freeze concerns across the mountains. Continued dry weather and warming temperatures expected for the end of next week.

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



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Local Weather

General Forecast Through Tuesday Night

Franklin Area

Today

Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, sunny, with highs near 80. Calm winds in the morning increasing to come out of the west around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight

A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11pm and midnight. Partly cloudy, with lows in the mid 50s. Light and variable winds. The chance of rain is 20%.

Columbus Day

Sunny, with highs in the mid 60s. Light winds out of the northwest increasing to 5 to 10 mph by midmorning.

Monday Night

Mostly clear, with lows in the upper 30s.

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Highlands Plateau

Today

Sunny, with highs near 70. Winds out of the west around 5 mph.

Tonight

Clear, with lows in the upper 40s. Calm winds becoming northwest around 5 mph after midnight.

Columbus Day

Sunny, with highs near 60. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Monday Night

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

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Otto and South Central Macon County

Today

Sunny, with highs in the mid-to-upper 70s.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with lows in the mid 50s.

Columbus Day

Sunny, with highs in the mid 60s. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 109 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Monday Night

Mostly clear, with lows around 40.

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Nantahala Area



Today

Sunny, with highs in the mid 70s. Calm winds in the morning increasing to come out of the southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight

A slight chance of showers before 11pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11pm and 1am. Partly cloudy, with lows around 50. Winds out of the southwest 3 to 6 mph. The chance of rain is 20%.

Columbus Day

Sunny, with highs near 60. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph.

Monday Night

Mostly clear, with lows in the upper 30s.

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Hazards



Hazardous weather is not expected today or tonight.

The coldest air of the season so far is expected to settle over the Southern Appalachians during the middle of next week. Areas of frost and possibly a light freeze in some of the valleys may occur across the North Carolina mountains, foothills and Northwest Piedmont and the mountains of northeast Georgia and the Upstate Tuesday night and Wednesday night.

Tropical Update

Tropical Weather Outlook
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
200 AM EDT Sun Oct 13 2024

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

1. Eastern Tropical Atlantic (AL94):
Showers and thunderstorms associated with an area of low pressure located a few hundred miles west of the Cabo Verde Islands have have increased some during the past several hours. However, the low is moving into an environment that is less conducive for development, and therefore during the next few days the chance of tropical cyclone formation appears to be decreasing. This system is forecast to move westward or west-southwestward across the tropical Atlantic, and it may encounter conditions more conducive for development over the western tropical Atlantic by the middle of next week.

* Formation chance through 48 hours...low...20 percent.
* Formation chance through 7 days...low...20 percent.

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Pollen

Pollen levels are expected to be in the low-medium range (4.5 out of 12) today with Ragweed, Chenopods, and Grasses being the main culprits. Tomorrow is expected to be in the low-medium range (4.8ut of 12.0).

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Record Weather Events for October 13th

Record weather events for this date in Macon County
(1872-2023)

Highest Temperature 85°F in Franklin in 1954
Lowest Temperature 24°F in Franklin in 1988
Greatest Rainfall 2.90 inches at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1983

Weather Extremes for Macon County for October
Data available from 1872

Highest Temperature 91°F in Franklin on 10-05-1954
Lowest Temperature 12°F in Franklin on 10-30-1910
Greatest Rainfall 9.91 inches in Highlands on 10-04-1964
Greatest Snowfall 1.0 inches in Highlands on 10-20-1913

Record Weather Events for October 13th in North Carolina

Highest Temperature 94°F in Albemarle, Stanly County in 1954
Lowest Temperature 14°F on Marshall, Madison County in 1919
Greatest Rainfall 5.00 inches in MMorganton, Burke County in 1893
Greatest Snowfall (no snowfall has been recorded on this date since 1872)

Weather Extremes for North Carolina for October
Data available from 1872

Highest Temperature 103°F in Wadesboro, Anson County on 10-03-2019
Lowest Temperature 8°F in Banner Elk, Avery County on 10-21-1952
Greatest One-Day Rainfall 12.53 inches in Lumberton, Robeson County on 10-08-2016

Greatest One-Day Snowfall 11.0 inches on Mount Mitchell, Yancey County on 10-25-1990

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Macon Calendar
(send your event to calendar@maconmedia.com)

Music Lineup for Friends of the Greenway, Inc.

Frog Quarters Music Schedule (located at 573 East Main Street in Franklin)

October 2024 Schedule

10-12-24—Mike Yow—Singer/Songwriter playing the best in his own tunes and a wide range of Americana music. If you’ve not heard Mike before…...and, even if you have, you’re in for a real treat.

10-19-24—Bloodroot—Three- and Four-part harmonies are forefront in this Americana acoustical roots band. You’ll hear oldies from the 70’s & 80’s along with songs you might remember from your childhood. Zip Robertson, Crickett Woodward, Paul Davis and Judy Kirkland.

For other Music and News follow us on Facebook at Friends of the Greenway, Inc. and Instagram at friends_of_the_greenway_inc. To find out more about the Greenway and our organization, our website is: littletennessee.org.

Frog Quarters is open 9a to 2p, Wednesdays thru Saturdays—beside the River Bridge. We are the Non-Profit supporting the Greenway with monies from sales from our Coffee & Gift Shop, Memberships and Donations. As always, thank you for your support!



Mountain Findings
432 Spruce Street (physical)
Highlands, North Carolina 28741
Web: MountainFindings.org

Mountain Findings (a thrift store) is open every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm until October 2023.

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News Briefing
---STATE AND LOCAL---

Asheville church mobilizes 1,200 volunteers for post-Hurricane Helene cleanup | WLOS-TV )Asheville, NC)



Election volunteers train to enhance safety and security at NC polls | WTVD-TV (Durham, NC)



Rare and spectacular show of the Northern Lights | NBC News



• Aurora Wonderland: The October 2024 Severe Geomagnetic Storm [Solar Ham]

• Liveblog Updates: 123 fatalities in NC; Asheville details repair milestone for water system [BPR Newsx]

• Operation BBQ Relief serves over 100,000 meals to hurricane victims in WNC [WLOS-TV 9Asheville, NC)]

• Haywood County releases election update amid Helene recovery [Smoky Mountain News]

• How much do those unemployed by Helene need to get by? One worker says $257 won't cut it [Asheville Citizen Times]

• Fact check: Trump falsely claims Cooper blocked Helene aid to western NC [WRAL-TV (Raleigh, NC)]

• Two weeks without running water: This is life in Western North Carolina after Helene [Raleigh News and Observer]

---WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA AFTER HURRICANE HELENE---

What happened to mountainsides during Helene's extreme rains (30 inches or more)? | The Geo Models



'Voices in the darkness': Asheville radio hosts and listeners a lifeline to a community in need | Queen City News



Separating The Truth From Rumors #hurricanehelene ON Three



The Shocking Realization I Had About Radio During The Hurricane Helene Disaster | Farpoint Farms (Eric)



Radio for preparedness: What lessons can we learn from Hurricane Helene? | Evan Thorson K2EJT



Lessons Learned About Solar Power During Hurricane Helene and its Aftermath in Western NC | Farpoint Farms (Eric)



Radio Operators Responding To Hurricane Helene Disaster NOW! | Ham Radio Crash Course



Asheville church mobilizes 1,200 volunteers for post-Hurricane Helene cleanup | WLOS-TV (Asheville, NC)



Helene Disaster Relief | Truth and Rumors | Lessons Learned #hurricanehelene | Survival Dispatch



UPDATE by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Swannanoa, North Carolina | Media Magik Entertainment



Hurricane aftermath and why its Not Getting Better | Bikes and Beards



Heartbreaking Scenes in NC: We Delivered Aid to Helene’s Hardest-Hit Towns *hurricane* | The Zaytsevs





---NATIONAL---
Videos and links to news articles]

Washington Week with The Atlantic full episode, October 11, 2024



2024 Campaign Trail: Three Weeks to Election Day | C-SPAN



Washington Today (10-11-24): Donald Trump wants death penalty if illegal migrant kills U.S. citizen | C-SPAN



Global National: Oct. 12, 2024 | Liberal MPs mount pressure for Trudeau to step down



ABC World News Tonight with David Muir Full Broadcast - Oct. 11, 2024

"CBS Weekend News" Full Broadcast | Oct. 12, 2024

NBC Nightly News Full Broadcast - Oct. 11, 2024

PBS NewsHour live episode, (Oct. 12, 2024)

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---Science, Technology, Culture, and History News Roundup---

Is Our Universe Eating Other Universes? | John Michael Godier



The Level1 Show October 11th: Keep On Leaking On | Level1 Techs



Data Disaster Preparedness - DTNS 4874 | Daily Tech News Show



• Is the "Blaze Star" About to Blow? You May Be the First to Know [Sky and Telescope Magazine]

• The Sky This Week from October 11 to 18: 2024’s third Super Moon rises [Astronomy Magazine]

• This Week's Sky at a Glance, October 11 – 20 [Sky and Telescope Magazine]

See Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS: This Week in Astronomy with Dave Eicher 10/14/2024 BONUS | Astronomy Magazine



• Get Ready for Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS — The Best Is Yet to Come! [Sky and Telescope Magazine]

• Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is rising higher in the evening sky. Here’s where to look [Astronomy Magazine]

Can SpaceX Catch a Starship Super Heavy? (Like Falcon 9?) | NASA Spaceflight



Can A Giant Potato Cannon Throw Things Into Space Cheaper Than Rockets? Longshot Think so! | Scott Manley



Is This The Craziest Space Weekend In History? | Scott Manley

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On This Day

October 13 is the 286th day of the year (287th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar; 79 days remain until the end of the year.

Historical Events

(Please note that the Wikipedia articles often contain a bibliography and links to where you can learn more about a historical event)



54 – Roman emperor Claudius dies from poisoning under mysterious circumstances. He is succeeded by his adoptive son Nero, rather than by Britannicus, his son with Messalina.

409 – Vandals and Alans cross the Pyrenees and appear in Hispania.

1269 – The present church building at Westminster Abbey is consecrated.

1307 – Hundreds of the Knights Templar in France are arrested at dawn by King Philip the Fair, and later confess under torture to heresy.

1332 – Rinchinbal Khan becomes the Khagan of the Mongols and Emperor of the Yuan dynasty, reigning for only 53 days.

1399 – Coronation of Henry IV of England at Westminster Abbey.

1644 – A Swedish–Dutch fleet defeats the Danish fleet at Fehmarn and captures about 1,000 prisoners.

1710 – Port Royal, the capital of French Acadia, falls in a siege by British forces.

1775 – The Continental Congress establishes the Continental Navy (predecessor of the United States Navy).

1792 – In Washington, D.C., the cornerstone of the United States Executive Mansion (known as the White House since 1818) is laid.

1793 – French Revolutionary Wars: Austro-Prussian victory over Republican France at the First Battle of Wissembourg.

1812 – War of 1812: Sir Isaac Brock's British and native forces repel an invasion of Canada by General Rensselaer's United States forces.

1821 – The Declaration of Independence of the Mexican Empire is publicly proclaimed.

1843 – In New York City, B'nai B'rith, the oldest Jewish service organization in the world, is founded.

1881 – First known conversation in modern Hebrew by Eliezer Ben-Yehuda and friends.

1885 – The Georgia Institute of Technology is founded in Atlanta, Georgia.

1892 – Edward Emerson Barnard discovers first comet discovered by photographic means.

1903 – The Boston Red Sox win the first modern World Series, defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates in the eighth game.

1908 – Margaret Travers Symons bursts into the UK parliament and becomes the first woman to speak there.

1911 – Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn, becomes the first Governor General of Canada of royal descent.

1915 – First World War: The Battle of the Hohenzollern Redoubt marks the end of the Battle of Loos.

1917 – The "Miracle of the Sun" is witnessed by an estimated 70,000 people in the Cova da Iria in Portugal.

1921 – Soviet republics sign the Treaty of Kars to formalize the borders between Turkey and the South Caucasus states.

1923 – Ankara becomes the capital of Turkey.

1943 – World War II: Marshal Pietro Badoglio announces that Italy has officially declared war on Germany.

1944 – World War II: The Soviet Riga Offensive captures the city.

1946 – France adopts the constitution of the Fourth Republic.

1962 – The Pacific Northwest experiences a cyclone the equal of a Category 3 hurricane, with winds above 150 mph. Forty-six people die.

1972 – Aeroflot Flight 217 crashes outside Moscow, killing 174.

1972 – Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 crashes in the Andes mountains. Twenty-eight survive the crash. All but 16 succumb before rescue on December 23.

1976 – The first electron micrograph of an Ebola virus is taken at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention by Dr. F. A. Murphy.

1977 – Hijacking of Lufthansa Flight 181 by the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.

1983 – Ameritech Mobile Communications launches the first US cellular network in Chicago.

1990 – Syrian forces attack free areas of Lebanon, removing General Michel Aoun from the presidential palace.

1993 – At least 60 people die in eastern Papua New Guinea when a series of earthquakes rock the Finisterre Range, triggering massive landslides.

2010 – The mining accident in Copiapó, Chile ends as all 33 trapped miners arrive at the surface after a record 69 days underground.

2013 – A stampede occurs in India during the Hindu festival Navratri, killing 115 and injuring more than 110.

2016 – The Maldives announces its decision to withdraw from the Commonwealth of Nations.

2019 – Kenyan Brigid Kosgei sets a new world record for a woman runner with a time of 2:14:04 at the 2019 Chicago Marathon.

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Published at 5:00am on Sunday, October 13, 2024
Author: Bobby Coggins


Resources used to compile the information in this article include, but are not limited to the following websites or books: MaconMedia.com, youtube.com, weather.gov, airnow.gov, wikipedia.com, onthisday.com, ncdcr.gov, ncsu.edu, utah.edu, https://www.microbe.tv/twiv/, wolfram.com, biorxiv.org, aps.org, nejm.org, plos.org, cell.com, researchsquare.com, cureus.com, spc.noaa.gov, nhc.noaa.gov, ncdenr.org, medrxiv.org, archive.org, ncpedia.org, nasa.gov, https://ww2days.com, nih.gov, carolinapublicpress.org, microbe.tv, smokymountainnews.com, psypost.org, blogspot.com, pollen.com, franklinnc.com, maconnc.org, spaceweather.com, solarham.com, loc.gov, ncleg.net, senate.gov, house.gov, whitehouse.gov, drudgereport.com, politico.com, realclearpolitics.com, ushmm.org, This Day in North Carolina History, World War II Day By Day, The Holocaust Encyclopedia, The Timetables of History, The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, The World History and Book of Facts (multiple years), On This Day In History: Over 4,000 facts, The NASA Archives. 60 Years in Space, This Day in North Carolina History, The Smithsonian History of Space Exploration: From the Ancient World to the Extraterrestrial Future, Spaceflight, 2nd Edition: The Complete Story from Sputnik to Curiousity, The Story of Civilization (11 volumes), The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, American History, Volume 1: 1492-1877, American History, Volume 2: 1877 - Present, A Complete Chronolgy of the Second World War. Weather and Almanac data and information sources: Sources (except where otherwise credited): heavens-above.com, Ian Webster's Github, National Centers for Environmental Prediction, The National Weather Service, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, National Hurricane Center, Penn State University Electronic Wall Map, The State Climate Office of North Carolina, Storm Prediction Center, U.S. Naval Observatory, University of Utah Department of Atmospheric Sciences, and the Weather Prediction Center. 

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