Slides Close U.S. 19/74 in Nantahala Gorge

DAY SPONSOR

Carrion Tree Service is underwriting Macon Media for today. they are a fully insured with workers comp and general liability tree service, specializing in dangerous tree removal, view clearing, pruning, and crane services with a 24 Hour emergency response.



Their phone number is 371-4718.

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

Area evaluations start Wednesday morning

BRYSON CITY – Heavy rainstorms generated three landslides in the Nantahala Gorge on Tuesday forcing a closure of U.S. 19/74 in both directions.

N.C. Department of Transportation officials said conditions are changing throughout the afternoon necessitating a closure at least through Wednesday morning.  

A marked detour is directing westbound traffic from U.S. 19/74 to N.C. 28 to Stecoah, then N.C. 143 and U.S. 129 to Topton and U.S. 74. Eastbound traffic will go to Robbinsville and then Stecoah and back to U.S. 19/74. 

The largest of the three slides is on the western end of the gorge near Ferebee Park. NCDOT Maintenance Engineer Travis Williamson estimates 15-20 trees and about 20 tandem-axle dump truck loads of material cover the highway. 

Additional evaluations of slide areas will occur on Wednesday morning, including an examination by NCDOT geotechnical experts. 

“It’s just too saturated and things are still moving, to go back in this afternoon,” Williamson said. “We’ll get a better look at the conditions, develop a plan, and get to work in the morning. I know there’s going to be a lot of mud to clean up.”

For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.

Read More

Crews Clear Slide on U.S. 19/74 in Nantahala Gorge Highway opens 18 hours after slide occurred

BRYSON CITY – N.C. Department of Transportation crews have cleared and reopened U.S. 19/74 in the Nantahala Gorge after a slide closed the highway on Friday night. 

Crews diverted water from the mountain to a ditch and pipe to prevent road erosion overnight. They arrived at sunrise Saturday and began clearing the road by using an excavator to fill six dump trucks that circulated between the slide and fill location. 

Local NCDOT officials removed the barricades before 3 p.m. on Saturday, less than 18 hours after the slide occurred. Drivers desiring to go through the Gorge were routed through Robbinsville.

For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.

CROWDFUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES


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



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

Published at 3:38pm on Saturday, August 1, 2020

Read More

NCDOT Crews Clear Slide Debris from N.C. 28 Highway in Swain County reopens

ALMOND – N.C. Department of Transportation crews from three counties worked from sunrise to sunset over four days to clear a rockslide on N.C. 28 about two miles south of U.S. 74 in Swain County.

The highway is open to travelers once again.

NCDOT crews from Swain, Macon, and Jackson counties removed about 500 dump-truck loads of dirt, rock and debris from the road. They worked as a team operating two excavators, one bulldozer and drove circuits hauling away the debris, until they finished sweeping the road Monday afternoon.

“I’m very impressed and proud of how much they were able to accomplish is such a short time,” Division 14 Maintenance Engineer Wesley Grindstaff said. “I know residents in the area, and folks driving to and from Franklin, are glad that the road is back open.”

On Thursday evening, crews closed the area, just north of Brush Creek Road, with barricades after a handful of basketball-sized rocks tumbled to the road. Shortly before 5 p.m. Grindstaff witnessed a sedan-sized rock and additional debris fall from a hillside. By sunrise on Friday, the rest of the hillside slid toward the road.

“It turned out to be a pretty straight-forward cleanup,” Swain County Maintenance Engineer Travis Williamson said. “We have a great team and they did outstanding work for our residents and visitors.”

For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.


##end press release##


DAY SPONSOR

Carrion Tree Service is underwriting Macon Media for today. they are a fully licensed and insured tree service, specializing in dangerous tree removal, view clearing, pruning, and crane services with a 24 Hour emergency response.

Their phone number is 371-4718.

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


Published at 5:20pm on Monday, March 9, 2020

Read More

Slide Closes N.C. 28 in Swain County Section of highway to Franklin closed at least overnight

A slide has closed NC-28 in Swain County near Lower Sawmill Road. Motorists wishing to head South towards Franklin must follow NC-28 North and take a left to access US-74 West. Motorists will follow US-74 West for 3 miles to Needmore Road and take another left. Motorists will follow Needmoor Road for 10.3 miles to reaccess NC-28 in either direction. Reverse the detour for motorists wishing to head north into Swain County. Visit the NCDOT TIMS website to keep up with road closures and traffic obstructions in the region. [LINK]


PRESS RELEASE
NCDOT




ALMOND – A rockslide Thursday evening has closed a short section of N.C. 28 South about two miles south of the intersection with U.S. 74 in Swain County.

N.C. Department of Transportation officials from Division 14 closed the highway after noticing small amounts of rock and dirt in the road Thursday afternoon. They were on location — north of Brush Creek Road — when a sedan-sized slab of rock and additional dirt toppled about 50 feet down the hillside.

“This is still an active site,” Division 14 Maintenance Engineer Wesley Grindstaff said. “Engineers assessed the area above the slide and found a sizeable crack in the slope and determined the site to be very unstable. There’s too much risk to allow anybody through here tonight.”

This section of N.C. 28 between U.S. 74 and Franklin will remain closed until the hillside is stabilized and a safe passage can be created. Commercial vehicles are restricted from using the highway during normal conditions.

Passenger vehicles may utilize the following detour from Bryson City or the Nantahala Gorge: From U.S. 74 and turn south onto Needmore Road and follow Needmore Road for 10.3 miles to N.C. 28.

NCDOT Crews began setting up barricades to prevent any vehicle from entering the slide area. Swain County Emergency Management Services and Duke Power were on site as well Thursday evening. Geotechnical engineers will assess the site on Friday and help develop plans to stabilize the hill and reopen the highway as soon as safely possible.

For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.


##END RELEASE##



CROWDFUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES


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



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



Published at 3:00am on Friday, March 6, 2020

Read More

Rock Netting Coming to Nantahala Gorge Slide Area Scaling requires closure of U.S. 19/74 section for one week

Photo courtesy of USFS


According to the press release, US19/74 will be closed for a week, starting March 9th in order to install rock netting to protect motorists near the location of a recent landslide that occurred near the Ferebee Memorial Picnic Area. The detour will route motorists through Robbinsville and will add about 20 minutes to your travel time. The Nantahala Outdoor Center will be accessible via the east during this time.

A copy of the press release is included below.



SYLVA – N.C. Department of Transportation officials recently awarded a $450,000 contract to increase the stability of a hill beside U.S. 19/74 in the Nantahala Gorge that has suffered from recent slides.

The preliminary work to be completed by GeoStabilization International requires a closure of U.S. 19/74 in the gorge starting Monday, March 9, and lasting through the week.

Drivers will be routed through Robbinsville — as they have been during recent closures due to slides — which adds about 20 minutes to commute times.

Crews from GSI will spend the week scaling a slide area near Ferebee Memorial Picnic Area with hand tools including axes, shovels, and pry-bars to remove loose material and prepare the area for the next phase of repairs.

Once the scaling is complete, likely on Sunday, March 15, traffic will return to the current one-lane pattern with a traffic signal at the slide area.

Then crews will spend the next two to three weeks installing rock bolts and 9,000 square feet of steel netting to stabilize the slide area and prevent additional dirt and debris from entering the highway at this location. The roadway should open to two-way traffic by the first weekend in April.

“During this very technical work, it is safest for drivers and the crews to have the road closed,” said NCDOT Assistant District Engineer Zach Shuler. “Once it opens back to one lane, drivers will need to be cautious in the area and expect the unexpected, like seeing workers dangling by ropes from the hillside like mountain climbers.”

This hillside in the Nantahala Gorge suffered a slide on Jan. 4 that closed the highway and forced NCDOT officials to set up a small catchment area and install the traffic signal for the safety of passing drivers.

During the closure, the detour will direct westbound traffic from U.S. 19/74 to N.C. 28 to Stecoah, N.C. 143 to Robbinsville and U.S. 129 to Topton and U.S. 74. Eastbound traffic will go to Robbinsville and then Stecoah en route back to U.S. 19/74. Visitors may still access the Nantahala Outdoor Center from the east.


##END OF PESS RELEASE##



CROWDFUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES


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


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

Published at 10:25am on Tuesday, March 3, 2020

Read More

Daily Weather Briefing for Sunday, January 5, 2020

Outlook

Dry high pressure will build over the region today through Monday. A low-pressure system, and associated moisture, will return to the southern Appalachians Monday night and sweep quickly east across the region on Tuesday. Dry high pressure will return once again Wednesday through Thursday before a deep fetch of moisture from the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico sets up Friday into the weekend.

Rockslide in Nantahala Gorge

A rock slide resulted in the closure on US Highway 19 near Hewitt Road for most of the day yesterday. There were no injuries reported. Nantahala VFD reported the NCDOT had one lane open for travel late in the afternoon. [LINK]



As of 3am Sunday, the NCDOT Traveler Information Management System still listed the road through the Nantahala Gorge closed with an expected re-opening time of 5pm on Monday, January 6th, so travell at your own risk, or call 511 to see if the road has been opened. [LINK]

Public Safety Log

Today's log is available and will be updated as needed. [LINK] 

Yesterday's Log is also online. [LINK]

Franklin Town Council Meets Monday Night


The Franklin Town Council will be holding their regular meeting for January 2020 in the lower level of the town hall on Monday, January 6, 2020, at 6pm. Copies of the public agenda and the agenda packet are posted below.


Town of Franklin Council Meeting
Agenda
January 06, 2020 | 6:00 p.m.

1. Call to Order - Mayor Bob Scott
2. Pledge of Allegiance - Vice Mayor Barbara McRae
3. Adoption of the January 6, 2020 Town Council Agenda - Town Council

4. Approval of the Consent Agenda for January 6, 2020
A.) Approval of December 2, 2019 Town Council Minutes
B.) Budget Amendments
C.) Tax Release

5. Public Session

6. New Business
A.) Board Action on Re-Zoning Petition for Dryman Road - Town Council
B.) Street Closing Request for Mardi Gras Parade and Event - Susie Colbert
C.) Re-Appointment of Alton Sutton to the Alcohol Beverage Control Board - Town Manager Summer Woodard
D.) Discussion on FEMA Fire Grant Budget Amendment - Finance Officer Kyra Doster and Town Manager Summer Woodard
E.) Discussion on Strategic Planning Meeting - Town Manager Summer Woodard
F.) Discussion on Committee Appointments - Mayor Scott and Town Council

7. Legal
A.) Discussion on Data Breach Policy - Town Attorney John Henning Jr.
B.) Resolution for Release and Conveyance of NCDOT Property - Town Attorney John Henning Jr. and Town Manager Summer Woodard
C.) Discussion on Amended Memorandum of Transportation Agreement - Town Attorney John Henning Jr.
D.) Closed Session pursuant to G.S. §143-318.11(a) (5), to establish, or to instruct the public body's staff or negotiating agents concerning the position to be taken by or on behalf of the public body in negotiating the price and other material terms of a contract or proposed contract for the acquisition of real property by purchase, option, exchange, or lease.”

8. Announcements
A.) Town Offices will be closed Monday January 20, 2020 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day
9. Adjourn

Jan 2020 Franklin Town Council Agenda Packet by Bobby Coggins on Scribd

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.

---

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

A Wind Advisory is in effect from 6am this morning until noon tomorrow for locations above 3500 feet. Details are in the advisory posted below.

We had some snow flurries and snow showers last night, so there may be some roadways (and sidewalks) that are slick, so please drive (or walk) with caution this morning. A wind advisory will remain in effect until noon today.

---

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

Temperatures will start off around the mid-30s and will rise to near 50. Sunny. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

Clear, with lows around 30. Calm winds increasing to come out of the northwest around 5 mph after midnight.

Monday

Sunny, with highs in the mid-50s. Calm winds.

Monday Night

A 30 percent chance of rain, mainly after 4am. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-30s. Calm winds.

Tuesday

A chance of showers before noon, then a chance of rain, mainly between noon and 5pm. Mostly cloudy, with highs near 50. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Tuesday Night

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

---

OTTO AREA FORECAST


Today

Temperatures atrting off in the mid-30s and increasing to around 50. Sunny. WInds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

Clear, with lows around freezing. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph.

Monday

Sunny, with highs in the mid-50s. Light winds out of the north.

Monday Night

A 30 percent chance of rain, mainly after 4am. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-to-upper 30s. Calm winds.

Tuesday

A chance of showers before noon, then a chance of rain, mainly between noon and 4pm. Partly sunny, with highs near 50. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Tuesday Night

Partly cloudy, with lows in the upper 20s.

---

HIGHLANDS PLATEAU FORECAST

Today

Sunny, with temperatures starting out around 30 and with highs in the low-to-mid 40s. WInds out of the northwest 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.

Tonight

Clear, with lows around 30. Winds out of the northwest 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Monday

Sunny, with highs in the mid-40s. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Monday Night

A 30 percent chance of rain, mainly after 5am. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-30s. Winds out of the west 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday

Partly sunny, with highs in the lower 40s. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Tuesday Night

Mostly clear, with lows around 30.

---

NANTAHALA AREA FORECAST


Today

Temperatures starting of near freezing and increasing to the mid-40s. Partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny. WInds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with lows around 30. Winds out of the west 5 to 10 mph.

Monday

Mostly sunny, with highs near 50. Calm winds in the morning increasing to come out of the west around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Monday Night

A 40 percent chance of rain, mainly after 3am. Mostly cloudy, with lows in the mid-30s. Calm winds in the evening increasing to come out of the southwest around 5 mph after midnight.

Tuesday

A chance of showers before noon, then a chance of rain, mainly between noon and 5pm. Mostly cloudy, with highs in the mid-40s. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Tuesday Night

Partly cloudy, with lows in the upper 20s.

---

Published at 4:10am on January 05, 2020

Read More

Daily Weather Briefing for Sunday, August 25, 2019 Slides Briefly Trap People in Nantahala

Local News Brief

A heavy and persistent rainstorm late yesterday afternoon resulted in several landslides in the area of the Nantahala Gorge, trapping some people for a time before they were rescued. Macon Media and several other groups on Facebook posted information about the event as it was happening. Some of the links are below.

Macon Media [LINK]

WNC Road Warriors [LINK]

WNCScanning [LINK] [AUDIO FEEDS]

Tri-State Area Traffic Weather & News [LINK]

WLOS-TV [LINK]

Here is a loop of the thunderstorm as it sat over the area. The loop is from 5:49pm to 8:01pm.



Press Release from the NCDOT dated Saturday Night at 10:55pm

Slides Close Nantahala Gorge

BRYSON CITY – A heavy rainstorm Saturday evening and four subsequent mudslides have closed U.S. 19/74 in the Nantahala Gorge through the night, and traffic is being detoured around the area.

A 2.8-inch deluge spilled debris into the road at four locations in the five miles between Hewitts Road on the western side and the Nantahala Outdoor Center on the eastern side.

N.C. Department of Transportation officials anticipate crews clearing enough space for all vehicles located between slides to exit the gorge tonight.

“This is unprecedented in the Nantahala Gorge,” Division 14 Engineer Brian Burch said. “We have engineers on site, equipment on site, and crews on site working with state highway patrol and local responders to help get people out as quickly and safely as possible tonight.”

The slides occurred between Ferebee Park on the western side of the gorge and the Nantahala Outdoor Center eight miles to the east.

NCDOT crews from Cherokee and Graham counties are preparing to remove debris from a slide at the western end of the gorge. Crews from Swain and Jackson counties are moving into remove slide debris from the eastern side of the gorge.

“The road will not open tonight for through traffic, but we’ll get folks out,” Division 14 Maintenance Engineer Wesley Grindstaff said after examining westernmost slide. “We will not know the entire severity of the slides until we have daylight on Sunday morning.”

Engineers will be on location Sunday morning to help assess the damage and design a plan to clear the road of all debris. At least one slide will take several days to be cleared.

A temporary detour has been established around the Nantahala Gorge. Westbound vehicles will take N.C. 28 West to Steccoah, then N.C. 143 South to Robbinsville, then N.C. 129 South to Topton and U.S. 19/74. Eastbound traffic will follow those routes in reverse — from Topton to Stecoah to Robbinsville to U.S. 19/74.

For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.

Outlook

A cool wedge of high pressure will linger across the region into Monday. Warmer air and increased shower chances are on tap ahead of an approaching cold front Tuesday and Wednesday. Drier weather is possible behind the front to end the week.


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.

---

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

Hazardous weather is not expected today. Isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms are likely.



**Note** A Tropical Weather Outlook section has been added to the daily weather briefing for the Atlantic Hurricane Season, and since those tend to run long when there is activity, that section has been added between the daily forecasts for the four regions of the county and the almanac section so people can get to their daily forecasts with minimal interference.

---

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.

Patreon Subscriber History May 2014 to Present




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

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.

---

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 rain after 10am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. Calm winds in the morning increasing to come out of the southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight

A slight chance of rain before 11pm, then a slight chance of rain after 3am. Cloudy, with a low around 60. Light winds out of the southeast. Chance of rain is 20%.

Monday

A chance of rain, mainly between 7am and 2pm, then a chance of showers after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. Winds out of the southeast 3 to 5 mph. Chance of rain is 50%. rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Monday Night

Cloudy, with a low in the low-to-mid 60s. Calm winds. Chance of rain is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Tuesday

Rain likely before noon, the showers are likely after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high in the upper 70s. Light winds out of the southeast. Chance of rain is 60%.

Tuesday Night

A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65.

---

OTTO AREA FORECAST

Today

A 20 percent chance of rain after 9am. Mostly cloudy, with a high in the lower 70s. Calm winds increasing to come out of the southeast 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight

A slight chance of rain before 1am, then a slight chance of rain after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. Winds out of the southeast around 5 mph. Chance of rain is 20%.

Monday

Cloudy, with a high in the lower 70s. Winds out of the southeast 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain is 50%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Monday Night

Cloudy, with a low in the lower 60s. Light winds out of the southeast. Chance of rain is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Tuesday

Rain likely before 11am, then showers likely after 11am. Cloudy, with a high in the upper 70s. Light winds out of the southeast. Chance of rain is 60%.

Tuesday Night

A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65.

---

HIGHLANDS PLATEAU FORECAST

Today

A 20 percent chance of rain after 9am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 65. Winds out of the east 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

A 20 percent chance of rain. Patchy fog before midnight. Otherwise, cloudy, with a low around 55. Winds out of the east 5 to 10 mph.

Monday

A 50 percent chance of rain. Cloudy, with a high near 65. Winds out of the southeast 5 to 10 mph. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Monday Night

A chance of rain before 11pm, then a chance of showers between 11pm and midnight, then a chance of rain after midnight. Cloudy, with a low in the upper 50s. Winds out of the southeast 5 to 10 7 mph. Chance of rain is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Tuesday

Rain likely before 11am, then showers likely after 11am. Cloudy, with a high in the upper 60s. Winds out of the south around 6 mph. Chance of rain is 70%.

Tuesday Night

A chance of showers before 11pm, then a chance of rain between 11pm and midnight, then a chance of showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. Chance of rain is 40%.

---

NANTAHALA AREA FORECAST

Today

A 30 percent chance of rain, mainly between 10am and 5pm. Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high in the lower 70s. Light and variable winds. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Tonight

A slight chance of rain before 11pm, then a slight chance of rain after 4am. Cloudy, with a low around 60. Winds out of the southeast 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain is 20%.

Monday

A chance of rain, mainly between 7am and 2pm, then a chance of showers after 2pm. Cloudy, with a high near 70. Winds out of the southeast around 7 mph. Chance of rain is 50%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Monday Night

A chance of showers before 8pm, then a chance of rain after 8pm. Cloudy, with a low in the lower 60s. Winds out of the southeast around 5 mph. Chance of rain is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Tuesday

Rain likely before 10am, then showers likely between 10am and 3pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 3pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. Winds out of the south 3 to 5 mph. Chance of rain is 60%.

Tuesday Night

A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm, then a chance of showers between 8pm and 1am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low in the low-to-mid 60s. Chance of rain is 40%.

---

TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK Things are starting to heat up




Tropical Weather Outlook
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
200 AM EDT Sun Aug 25 2019

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

The National Hurricane Center is issuing advisories on Tropical Storm Dorian, located several hundred miles east-southeast of the Lesser Antilles.

1. Showers and thunderstorms remain disorganized in association with a trough of low pressure that extends from south-central Florida northeastward over the western Atlantic for a few hundred miles. Environmental conditions appear conducive for gradual development, and a tropical or subtropical depression is likely to form within the next few days while the system moves northeastward offshore of the southeastern United States. Interests along the coasts of South and North Carolina should continue to monitor the progress of this system. An Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft is scheduled to investigate the disturbance later today, if necessary.

* Formation chance through 48 hours...medium...60 percent.
* Formation chance through 5 days...high...80 percent.

---

Weather Extremes for Macon County for the month of August
Data available from 1872 to 2018

Highest Temperature 99°F in Franklin on 08-09-1980
Lowest Temperature 40°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station on 08-29-1968
Greatest Rainfall 9.68 inches in Highlands on 08-13-1940
Greatest Snowfall no measurable snowfall has been recorded since records started being kept in 1873

Weather Extremes for North Carolina for the month of July
Data available from 1870 to 2018

Highest Temperature 110°F Fayetteville, Cumberland County 08-21-1983
Lowest Temperature 31°F Banner Elk, Avery County 08-23-1930
Greatest One-Day Rainfall 13.08 in Idlewild, Ashe County 08-14-1930

Monthly Averages

Warmest Weather Station 79.7°F Wilmington, New Hanover County
Coldest Weather Station 59.6°F Mount Mitchell, Yancey County
Wettest Weather Station 7.74 in Lake Toxaway, Transylvania County
Driest Weather Station 3.12 in Lexington, Davidson County

---

Published at 5:15am on August 25, 2019
Radar Loop of Nantahala Storm added at 5:35am

Read More

Daily Weather Briefing for Monday, February 25, 2019

News Brief

Jackson County Schools for Monday, February 25th, 2019 are on a delayed schedule. The Smoky Mountain District is delayed for two hours and the Blue Ridge District is delayed for 2.5 hours.



A prolonged period of multiple rain events led to minor flooding in Macon County and a wind event exacerbated the situation, causing multiple trees to fall, some of them on power lines, knocking out power to hundreds of Maconians and tens of thousands across the mountains this past weekend.

There were numerous slides and trees down in Jackson County over the weekend and at least two of the blocked portion of US-74, one near Thomas Cove Road and another on Balsam Mountain. Another slide in Haywood County has resulted in I-40 being closed for a couple of weeks while debris is removed. There were several smaller slides and weather-related incidents that briefly closed some roads in Macon County. [LINK]




Outlook

Dry Canadian high pressure will continue to spread over the region today and linger through Tuesday. Deeper moisture will return on Wednesday and linger into the weekend. Another vigorous cold front may approach the forecast area from the west during the latter part of the weekend.

DAY SPONSOR

Carrion Tree Service is underwriting Macon Media for today. they are a fully licensed and insured tree service, specializing in dangerous tree removal, view clearing, pruning, and crane services with a 24 Hour emergency response.

Their phone number is 371-4718.

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

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.

---

WEATHER SPONSOR



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

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

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

---

Weather Hazards

Macon County will be under a Wind Advisory until daybreak. Winds in the higher elevations and the Highlands Plateau may take until midmorning to die down. A Flood Advisory is also in effect until 10:15 am along the Little Tennessee River in Otto near Riverside Road. Water levels along the stretch of the Little Tennessee in Macon County will continue to decrease over the next several days. Copies of the Flood and Wind Advisories are posted below for your convenience.

Flood Advisory
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
1018 PM EST SUN FEB 24 2019

The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued a

* Flood Advisory for...
South central Macon County in western North Carolina...

* Until 1015 AM EST Monday.



* At 1013 PM EST, the stream gauge on the Little Tennessee River at Otto indicated the river remained near bankfull. Although stream levels will remain high, it is not expected to return to flood stage and should gradually recede over the next several hours.

* Some locations that will experience flooding include...
Otto.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Only when it is safe to do so, please report floodwaters or landslides flowing over roads or threatening property to the National Weather Service by calling toll-free, 1, 800, 2 6 7, 8 1 0 1, by posting on our Facebook page, or via Twitter using hashtag NWSGSP. Your message should describe the event and the specific location where it occurred, including roadways, nearby cross streets, stream names, and other landmarks.

Wind Advisory
URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
234 AM EST Mon Feb 25 2019

...VERY WINDY CONDITIONS TO CONTINUE THIS MORNING ACROSS THE MOUNTAINS OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA...

.Gusty northwest winds will continue across the North Carolina mountains this morning before slowly diminishing through the remainder of the day. The saturated soil conditions may contribute to some trees getting toppled by the strong winds.


...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM EST THIS MORNING...

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

* HAZARDS...Very windy conditions.

* TIMING...Through daybreak.

* WINDS...Northwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts of 40 to 50 mph at times, especially along the higher ridges.

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

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Wind Advisory means that winds of 35 mph are expected. Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.

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.

Patreon Subscriber History May 2014 to Present



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

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.

---

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 a high near 55. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 30. Calm winds.

Tuesday

Sunny, with a high near 60. Calm winds in the morning, then out of the southwest around 6 mph in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night

A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40. Light winds out of the south.

Wednesday

A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 60.

Wednesday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45.

---

OTTO AREA FORECAST

Today [Flood Advisory Until 10:15am]

Sunny, with a high in the mid-to-upper 50s. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around freezing. Calm winds.

Tuesday

Sunny, with a high near 60. Calm winds in the morning, then winds from the southwest around 6 mph in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night

A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40. Winds out of the south around 5 mph becoming calm before midnight.

Wednesday

A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high in the upper 50s.

Wednesday Night

A chance of showers before 8pm, then a chance of showers after 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

---

HIGHLANDS PLATEAU FORECAST

Today

Sunny, with a high near 50. Winds out of the northwest 15 to 25 mph in the morning then decreasing to 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph before midmorning.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around freezing. Calm winds rising to come out of the southwest around 6 mph after midnight.

Tuesday

Sunny, with a high in the lower 50s. Winds out of the southwest 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday Night

A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low in the upper 30s. Winds out of the southwest around 6 mph.

Wednesday

A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 50.

Wednesday Night

A 30 percent chance of showers after 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low in the lower 40s.

---

NANTAHALA AREA FORECAST


Today

Sunny, with a high near 50. Winds out of the northwest 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 30. Calm winds rising to come out of the south around 5 mph after midnight.

Tuesday

Sunny, with a high near 55. Winds out of the southwest around 6 mph.

Tuesday Night

A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40. Winds out of the south 3 to 5 mph.

Wednesday

A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 55.

Wednesday Night

A 30 percent chance of showers before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45.

---

Macon County Almanac for February 25, 2019

Highest Temperature 77°F in Highlands in 1930
Lowest Temperature -5°F in Highlands in 1967
Greatest Rainfall 6.20 inches in Franklin in 1875
Greatest Snowfall 8.0 inches in Highlands in 1894

Weather Extremes for Macon County for February
Data available from 1873 to 2018

Highest Temperature 79°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station on 02-28-1996
Lowest Temperature -19°F in Highlands on 02-13-1899
Greatest Rainfall 6.37 inches at the Coweeta Experimental Station on 02-13-1966
Greatest Snowfall 15.0 inches in Highlands on 02-14-1912

Weather Extremes for Macon County for February
Data available from 1873 to 2018

Highest Temperature 79°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station on 02-28-1996
Lowest Temperature -19°F in Highlands on 02-13-1899
Greatest Rainfall 6.37 inches at the Coweeta Experimental Station on 02-13-1966
Greatest Snowfall 15.0 inches in Highlands on 02-14-1912

---

Published at 3:50 am on February 25, 2019

Read More

Landslide Temporarily Closes Ellijay Road

A small landslide has closed Ellijay road for a day or two just past Rocky Branch Road in the 3200 block. The Supervisor at the scene expects the road to be closed most of the day and may not be re-opened until tomorrow. The overall cleanup at the slide location will take longer. You can check whether or not the road has been opened to traffic at the NCDOT TIMS website.

The NCDOT detour is as follows: Slide is 1 mile south of SR 1528 (Little Ellijay Rd).

Residents south of SR 1528 will travel south on SR 1001(Ellijay Rd) to US 28/64.

Residents north of SR 1528 will travel north on SR 1001 to SR 1521(Mtn Grove Rd) to SR 1513(Cat Creek Rd) then to US 441.

Video and Photos taken at the scene earlier this morning are posted below. Click on the images to embiggen them to a larger size.

/>

Read More