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Sunday, March 5, 2017

Daily Weather Briefing for Sunday, MArch 5, 2017





NATIONAL OVERVIEW

...Heavy snow possible over the Cascades, Sierras, and the Intermountain West...

...Well above normal temperatures for the Central and Northern Plains...

...Heavy rains expected to wane across Southeastern Texas today...

A cold front that moved across the Pacific Northwest and portions of the Intermountain West yesterday will progress southeast across southern California and toward the Rockies today. Continued onshore flow behind the front will lead to a prolonged period of moderate to heavy snow, especially in the higher elevations. Rain and thunderstorms can also be expected along much of the Pacific Coast, aided by yet another area of low pressure grazing the Pacific Northwest throughout the day. Winter Storm Warnings are currently in effect for much of northern California and the Sierra Nevada Mountain range through Monday, where accumulations of 3 to 4 feet are possible above 5,000 feet. Winter Weather Advisories are also in effect for portions of the Intermountain West and Pacific Northwest for continued heavy snow today.

While the cold front is pushing across the Intermountain West, west to southwesterly flow sweeping off the Continental Divide will lead to a continued warming and drying trend across much of the Central and Northern Plains. Temperatures will soar to as much as 20 to 30 degrees above normal once more today, continuing the springlike thermal seesaw. Meanwhile, strong high pressure will protect the eastern U.S. in the form of a cold air wedge east of the Appalachians. This will lead to below normal temperatures into Monday for this area, before warmer air slowly erodes the wedge.

On the southwestern edge of this high pressure, strong return flow is present, resulting in a deep layer of warm and moist air across southern Texas and the Lower Mississippi Valley. A disturbance aloft is interacting with this moist and unstable airmass, sparking showers and thunderstorms across southern and eastern Texas. These will spread eastward into the Lower Mississippi Valley today, and then northward up the Mississippi Valley and into the Upper Great Lakes during the day Monday. Heavy rain will continue to be a concern along the Gulf Of Mexico in Texas through this morning, waning by the afternoon.

Looking ahead to Monday and Tuesday...a merger of two low pressure systems will take place across the Northern Plains on Monday. The new system will gain strength quickly as it pushes across the Upper Mississippi Valley and into Canada Monday night into Tuesday. From this system will extend a strong cold front, expected to sweep across the Mississippi River Valley and Southern Plains Tuesday. A deep pull of Gulf moisture will take place ahead of this system (an extension of the warm surge already taking place across Texas and the Lower Mississippi Valley today), leading to widespread showers and thunderstorms across much of the Eastern U.S. Monday night through Tuesday.

LOCAL OUTLOOK

Cool and dry high pressure will remain over the area for the remainder of the weekend before a warming trend begins ahead of an advancing cold front early next week. The front will bring rain chances back into the forecast area on Tuesday and early Wednesday...with dry high pressure quickly building in through the remainder of the work week. Rain chances may return again next weekend.

DAY SPONSOR

Carrion Tree Service is underwriting the daily weather briefing and public safety updates 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 are located at 120 Depot Street.

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

THREE DAY OUTLOOK




TODAY (unattended outdoor burning not recommended)

Increasing clouds with temperatures starting out near the mid 20s and reaching near 60 by 3 pm and dipping to near 50 by 6 pm. Winds will be calm in the morning, rising to 5 to 10 mph from the south in the afternoon. Relative humidity levels will dip below 30% this afternoon, allowing burnable material to rapidly dry out, so outdoor burning is not recommended today.


TONIGHT

Mostly clear with temperatures dropping from near 50 at 6 pm to the upper 30s by 6 am. Winds will be mostly calm overnight.




MONDAY

Mostly cloudy with highs near the upper 50s. Calm winds early, then rising to come from the south at 5 to 10 mph before noon. Relative humidity values are not expected to drop below 50%. 20% chance of very light rain, mainly after noon. Rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch expected.

MONDAY NIGHT

Increasing clouds, becoming mostly cloudy before midnight. Lows in the upper 30s and winds out of the south calming before midnight. 40% chance of rain with rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch expected.





TUESDAY

Cloudy with highs near 60. 70% chance of rain, mainly after noon.

TUESDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows near 40. 70% chance of rain, mainly before 4 am.


HAZARDS


Hazardous weather is not expected today. Conditions are dry enough, combined with relatively low humidity values and windy conditions to make outdoor burning a risky proposition. Macon Media recommends putting off outdoor burning until after a soaking rain.

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


MACON CALENDAR

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



CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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

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

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

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


Published at 4:20 am on March 05, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

Saturday, March 4, 2017

Daily Weather Briefing for Saturday, March 4, 2017



”Advisories

NATIONAL OVERVIEW

...Heavy snow possible over the Cascades, Sierras, Intermountain West...

...Well above normal temperatures for the Central and Northern Plains...

...Heavy rain and flash flooding possible across South Texas this weekend...

A cold front that moved onshore across the Pacific Northwest yesterday will continue to move slowly inland today, pushing across northern California and the Intermountain West, and then into the Rockies by Sunday. Onshore flow behind the front will direct moisture into the Coastal range, Cascades, and northern and central Sierras today. The slow motion of the front will lead to a prolonged period of moderate to heavy snow in these areas, as well as inland across the intermountain west and into the Rockies by Sunday. The coastal regions from Oregon to California can expect rain and thunderstorms during this time. Winter Weather Advisories and Winter Storm Warnings are in effect for portions of the Intermountain West, Pacific Northwest, and California for heavy snow.

While the cold front is pushing across the Pacific Northwest, west to southwesterly flow over the Continental Divide will lead to a warming and drying trend across much of the Central and Northern Plains. Temperatures will soar to as much as 20 to 30 degrees above normal, making it feel much more like spring. Strong high pressure will build over the eastern U.S., leading to below normal temperatures, however those will moderate toward the end of the period as the warmth pushes east.

On the western edge of this high pressure, strong return flow will be present, with a deep layer of warm and moist air filtering into Texas from the Gulf of Mexico. A mid level shortwave will interact with this unstable and water loaded airmass, sparking showers and thunderstorms across southern and eastern Texas today. These will spread eastward into the Lower Mississippi Valley Sunday, and then northward up the Mississippi Valley and into the Upper Great Lakes during the day Monday. The Weather Prediction Center continues to carry a slight risk for excessive rainfall and flash flooding across southern Texas for today. Please refer to our website for more information concerning the heavy rain threat. The rainfall and cloud cover will also lead to below normal temperatures across Texas today as well.

LOCAL OUTLOOK

Cool, dry high pressure will remain in control of the area before a warming trend commences ahead of a cold front early next week. The front will bring rain chances back into the forecast on Tuesday before a dry high moves back into the region to end the work week.

DAY SPONSOR

Carrion Tree Service is underwriting the daily weather briefing and public safety updates 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 are located at 120 Depot Street.

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

THREE DAY OUTLOOK




TODAY

Sunny with temperatures starting out near the lower 20s and reaching the mid 50s by 3 pm and dipping to near 50 by 6 pm. Winds will be rising out of the northwest from near calm in the morning, then 5 to 7 mph from the northwest between noon and 7 pm. Relative humidity levels will dip below 30% this afternoon, allowing burnable material to rapidly dry out, so outdoor burning is not recommended today.


TONIGHT

Mostly clear with temperatures dropping from near 50 at 6 pm to about 30 by 6 am. Winds will be calm.




SUNDAY

Sunny with highs near 60 and calm winds in the morning increasing to 5 to 10 mph from the south in the afternoon.

SUNDAY NIGHT

Increasing clouds, becoming mostly cloudy before midnight. Lows in the upper 30s and winds out of the south calming before midnight.




MONDAY

Mostly cloudy with highs near 60 and winds out of the south. 20% chance of rain.

MONDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with highs near 60 and winds out of the south. 20% chance of rain.


HAZARDS


Hazardous weather is not expected today. Low relative humidity values will allow burnable materials to rapidly dry out, so please refrain from outdoor burning. If you do burn, please do not leave your fire unattended.


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


MACON CALENDAR

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



CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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

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

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

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

4:55 am on March 04, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

Friday, March 3, 2017

Several U.S. Forest Service Campgrounds Open in March
Nantahala District Campgrounds to Open in April

Photo Provided




ASHEVILLE, NC - March 3, 2017 -- Several U.S. Forest Service campgrounds in North Carolina are now open or will open later this month.

A few additional facilities will open later this spring but many other sites are open year round.

In some cases, campsites can be reserved in advance at www.recreation.gov. Amenities and fees vary from site to site. Details are available at www.fs.usda.gov/activity/nfsnc/recreation/camping-cabins.

Holders of the Interagency Senior and Access, Golden Age and Access Pass receive a fifty percent discount on their camping fee for single family campsites. The discount does not include fees for hookups, such as sewer or electrical, nor does it include double or larger campsites.


Now Open

Croatan National Forest
·         Cedar Point Campground
·         Oyster Point Campground
·         Flanners Beach/Neuse River Campground

Uwharrie National Forest
·         Badin Lake Campgrounds
·         West Morris Mountain Campground
·         Yates Place Camp

Pisgah National Forest, Pisgah Ranger District
·         Lake Powhatan Campground - Big John and Lakeside Loops
·         North Mills River Campground - one loop
·         Davidson River Campground - Sycamore, Appletree, and Dogwood Loops
·         Additional loops in all campgrounds open in April

All recreation sites on the Grandfather Ranger District of the Pisgah National Forest will open March 31. On the Nantahala National Forest, campgrounds on the Nantahala and Cheoah Ranger Districts open in April and on the Tusquitee Ranger District in May.


 Follow the National Forests in North Carolina on Facebook (www.facebook.com/nfsnc) or Twitter (twitter.com/NFsNCarolina) for more news and features.


DAY SPONSOR

Carrion Tree Service is underwriting the daily weather briefing and public safety updates 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 are located at 120 Depot Street.

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



CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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

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

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

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


Published at 3:31 pm on March 03, 2017

Daily Weather Briefing for Friday, March 3, 2017



”Advisories

NATIONAL OVERVIEW

...Heavy snow possible over the Northern Cascades...

...Heavy rain and flash flooding possible across south Texas this weekend...

A low pressure system will continue to move inland across British Columbia today, pulling a cold front across much of the Pacific Northwest, Intermountain West, Northern California and Northern Rockies through the weekend. Nearly continuous onshore flow will keep rain over the coastal areas of Washington, Oregon, and eventually northern California-- with snow, likely heavy at times, expected to spread from the Cascades and eastward during this time. Winter Weather Advisories and Winter Storm Warnings are currently in effect for the Coastal Range where snow accumulations in in excess of a foot are possible through this evening. Winter Storm Watches are also in effect for much of northern California and the Sierra Nevada Mountains from Saturday afternoon through at least Sunday evening.

The remnants of a weak clipper system will continue to move through New England today, bringing the potential for scattered light snow showers across portions of the northern Appalachians, northern Mid Atlantic, and the Northeast during this time. Areas downwind of the Great Lakes may also see snow showers today, lingering into the overnight.

A surge of warm, moist air will flow inland from the Gulf of Mexico on the backside of a departing low Saturday. This will lead to rain showers developing across Southern Texas tonight, and spreading across the Lower Mississippi Valley throughout the day Saturday. South Texas could have significant rainfall totals and/or high rainfall rates that may lead to flash flooding. A slight risk for excessive rainfall is in effect for this area during the day Saturday. Please refer to the WPC excessive rainfall outlook for additional information on the threat for flash flooding.

LOCAL NEWS

A couple of rounds of severe thunderstorms passed through Macon County late Wednesday afternoon, leaving numerous trees and power

lines down. As of 4:00 am, 784 Duke Energy has restored to service to all but one customer in Macon County. That restoration is expected to be completed by 6:30 am.

Haywood EMC reports no outages to their customers in Macon County.



LOCAL OUTLOOK

Cool high pressure will build into the area through the end of the work week, briefly bringing temperatures near to below normal. Warming will occur early next week before another cold front increases rain chances around midweek.

DAY SPONSOR

Carrion Tree Service is underwriting the daily weather briefing and public safety updates 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 are located at 120 Depot Street.

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

THREE DAY OUTLOOK




TODAY

Sunny with temperatures starting out near 30 and reaching the upper 40s to perhaps 50 in the afternoon, but wind chills will keep it feeling like it is closer to 40 than 50, and dipping to the upper 30s by 6 pm. Winds will be out of the northwest calm in the morning, then rising to 10 to 15 mph from the northwest between 10 am and 5 pm. Gusts will be in the 20 to 25 mph range. Relative humidity levels will dip below 30% this afternoon, allowing burnable material to rapidly dry out, so combined with the high winds, outdoor burning is not recommended.

TONIGHT
Mostly clear with temperatures in the upper 30s at 6 pm and sliding down to the mid 20s by 6 am. Areas of frost are expected. Winds will calm after sunset from around 5 to 7 mph out of the northwest by 6 am.




SATURDAY

Sunny with highs near the mid 50s and calm winds. Relative humidity levels will be below 30% for most of the day. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

SATURDAY NIGHT

Partly cloudy with lows near 30. Areas of frost may develop after 5 am.




SUNDAY

Mostly sunny with highs near 60.

SUNDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows near the upper 30s.


HAZARDS


Hazardous weather is not expected today.

**UPDATE** 7:35 am

The National Weather Service has issued a Special Weather Statement regarding the low humidity and highs combining to cause an increased fire danger this afternoon. Outdoor burning is not recommended today, and conditions are not going to improve tomorrow, so don't be burning brush piles or debris outdoors this weekend. Wait a few days or seek out ways to get rid of the material without burning it.

The text of the Special Weather Statement is posted below for your convenience:

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
733 AM EST Fri Mar 3 2017

...INCREASED FIRE DANGER FROM NOON TODAY TO 7 PM EST THIS EVENING...

Strong high pressure will begin to build across the region Friday and bring lower dewpoints and low-end gusty winds across the Western Carolinas and Northeast Georgia. Relative Humidity values will drop to 25 percent or less during the afternoon while surface winds gust to 15 to 25 mph...with higher gusts across the mountains of North Carolina. Fuel moisture levels will continue to drop in good evaporative conditions...thus an increased risk of fire danger will develop early in the afternoon and continue into the early evening.


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


MACON CALENDAR

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



CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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

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

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

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


Published at 4:35 am on March 03, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

Thursday, March 2, 2017

Daily Weather Briefing for Thursday, March 2, 2017

Due to time constraints, today's weather briefing is truncated. The climate and astronomy section will be added later in the day. Macon Media apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause.




NATIONAL OVERVIEW

...Heavy snow possible over the Northern Cascades...

...Heavy rain possible over the Pacific Northwest Coast...

A strong front moving eastward over the Southeast will move off the southeast coast of Florida by Thursday evening. Rain will develop a long the boundary over parts of the Southern Mid-Atlantic Coast to parts of the Eastern Gulf Coast that will move off the most of the Mid-Atlantic/Southeast Coast by Thursday evening. Rain will linger over the southeastern portion of Florida through Friday evening. In addition, a deep low pressure center over Northern Maine will move northeastward into Southeastern Canada overnight Thursday. Rain over Maine will change over to snow by Thursday afternoon with the snow ending by Friday morning. In the wake of the low, light snow over the Lower Great Lakes/Central Appalachians and interior Northeast will tapper off by Thursday evening.

Meanwhile, a fast moving clipper system over the Northern Plains/Middle Mississippi Valley will move in an easterly direction off the Mid-Atlantic Coast by Friday afternoon. The storm will produce light snow over parts of the Northern Plains and Upper Great Lakes that will expand over the Great Lakes/Ohio Valley by Thursday evening and into parts of the Lower Great Lakes/Central Appalachians by Friday morning. The snow will move into parts of the Northern Mid-Atlantic by Friday evening. Additionally, lake effect snow will develop over parts of the Upper Great Lakes Friday morning into Friday evening.

Furthermore, a plume of moisture will move into the Pacific Northwest that will slowly move southward into parts of Northern California by Friday evening. The associated onshore flow will aid in producing rain a long the coast and snow over the higher elevations over the Northwest with snow moving into parts of the Northern Rockies through Friday evening. On Friday, rain will move into parts of the Northern California Coast.

LOCAL NEWS

A couple of rounds of severe thunderstorms passed through Macon County late yesterday afternoon, leaving numerous trees and power lines down. As of 3:20 am, 784 Duke Energy customers were without service in 32 outage locations. Duke expects electricity to be restored to all their customers in Macon County by 9:00 pm tonight.

Hay EMC reports no outages to their customers in Macon County.


LOCAL OUTLOOK

Cool high pressure will build into the area through the end of the work week, briefly bringing temperatures near to below normal. Gradual warming will occur early next week before another cold front increases rain chance around the middle of next week.

DAY SPONSOR

Carrion Tree Service is underwriting the daily weather briefing and public safety updates 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 are located at 120 Depot Street.

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

THREE DAY OUTLOOK





TODAY

Mostly sunny with temperatures starting out near the mid 30s and reaching the low 50 in the afternoon and dipping to the upper 40s by 6 pm. Winds will be out of the northwest 10 to 15 mph with gusts in the 20 to 25 mph. Winds will be higher on the ridges.


TONIGHT

Mostly clear with temperatures in the upper 40s at 6 pm and sliding down to around 30 by 6 am. Areas of frost are expected. Winds will calm after sunset from around 5 to 7 mph out of the northwest to 3 to 5 mph by 6 am.



FRIDAY

Areas of frost will develop before 7 am. Mostly sunny skies with temperatures starting out near 30 and rising to the upper 40s to lower 50s by mid afternoon, the temperatures will drop to the upper 30s by 6 pm. The day will start off with light winds out of the northwest increasing to 10 to 15 mph by 10 am and gusts will be between 20 and 25 mph. Wind chills will be in the lower 40s down to the upper 30s. Humidity levels will drop below 30% around 10 am wind remain there through the day. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

FRIDAY NIGHT

Clear skies with temperatures dropping from the upper 30s at sunset to the mid 20s by 6 am. Winds out of the northwest will gradually calm overnight dropping from 10 mph down to almost calm by sunrise.



SATURDAY

Areas of frost in the morning. Sunny with highs near the mid 50s.

SATURDAY NIGHT

Partly cloudy with lows near 30.


HAZARDS


No hazardous weather is expected today.


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


MACON CALENDAR

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



CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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

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

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

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


Published at 4:43 am on March 02, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

Wednesday, March 1, 2017

SPC Issues Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Macon County Until 10 pm



The Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch that includes Macon County until 10 pm this evening. Details are posted below.




URGENT - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 59
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
300 PM EST Wed Mar 1 2017

The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
Northeast Georgia
Central and Western North Carolina
Northern South Carolina
South-Central Virginia

* Effective this Wednesday afternoon and evening from 300 PM until 1000 PM EST.

* Primary threats include...
Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2 inches in diameter possible Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible A tornado or two possible

SUMMARY...Thunderstorms are expected to intensify over western SC/NC and spread eastward across the watch area this afternoon and early evening. Locally damaging winds and hail will be the main threats, although an isolated tornado or two is also possible.

The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 60 statute miles north and south of a line from 75 miles west northwest of Anderson SC to 10 miles north of Raleigh NC. For a complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

REMEMBER...A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings. Severe thunderstorms can and occasionally do produce tornadoes.

&&

OTHER WATCH INFORMATION...CONTINUE...WW 56...WW 57...WW 58...

AVIATION...A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to 2 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 450. Mean storm motion vector 25035.



DAY SPONSOR

Carrion Tree Service is underwriting the daily weather briefing and public safety updates 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 are located at 120 Depot Street.

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


CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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

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

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

You have made it possible for Macon Media to begin purchasing state of the art equipment and begin work on building a real website with features not employed by any local news outlets.

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

Published at 10:53 am on Mar 01, 2017 




SPC Issues Mesoscale Discussion Regarding the Setup for Potential Severe Weather This Afternoon






THe Storm Prediction Center has issued a Mesoscale Discussion for conditions that are conducive to severe weather. The details are in the statement below. The graphic included with this post shows the area impacted by this discussion.


A Thunderstorms Watch or Warning may be issued by the local National Weather Service Office in the next couple of hours.


Mesoscale Discussion 0244
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0107 PM CST Wed Mar 01 2017

Areas affected...Portions of western NC...western SC...far northeast GA

Concerning...Severe potential...Watch likely

Valid 011907Z - 012100Z

Probability of Watch Issuance...80 percent

SUMMARY...A risk for severe storms will spread across portions of the southern Appalachians and adjacent Piedmont region, affecting the area around and after 20Z. Watch issuance will be likely.

DISCUSSION...A squall line with embedded rotating updrafts from eastern TN to north MS will continue spreading eastward through the afternoon. Diurnal heating of a modestly moist boundary layer is supporting MLCAPE around 250-750 J/kg ahead of this activity. With strong deep shear, organized convective structures including occasional bowing segments will spread across the region. This activity will be capable of producing damaging wind gusts. A brief tornado or two cannot be ruled out with line-embedded meso-vortices.

Watch issuance will be likely within the next hour or so.

**********************************

DAY SPONSOR 

(Day Sponsors and Monthly Weather Sponsors make expended coverage of these weather events possible. Be sure you let our sponsors know they're appreciated.)

Carrion Tree Service is underwriting the daily weather briefing and public safety updates 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 are located at 120 Depot Street.

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


CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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

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

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

You have made it possible for Macon Media to begin purchasing state of the art equipment and begin work on building a real website with features not employed by any local news outlets.

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

Published at 2:35 pm on Mar 01, 2017





WNC Faces Enhanced Risk of Severe Thunderstorms According to Storm Prediction center

The Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma has placed western North Carolina in an area where they expect there to be an enhanced risk of severe thunderstorms this afternoon and early evening. The northern half of the county is also in the 45% chance of experiencing damaging winds category and we are also at risk for experiencing hail.

If you work outdoors or are expecting to be on the roads from 3 pm to 5 pm or so, please remain indoors, or pay close attention to the weather around you and be ready to get indoors. Frequent lightning is also expected with these storms, so, if you hear thunder, please go indoors.

Area VFDs, law enforcement, and the NCDOT are in our public safety feed at MaconScan.com


You can also hear other counties in WNC at http://www.broadcastify.com/listen/feed/24144

A high wind event is also expected to impact Macon County later this afternoon and continue overnight. Wind speeds are expected to reach 50 mph at times and a HIgh Wind Warning will probably be issued by the National Weather Service this afternoon.

Maps and information from the SPC is posted below. Macon Media has added annotations in bold to explain technical terms where they apply to us in Macon County.











Day 1 Convective Outlook
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
1028 AM CST Wed Mar 01 2017

Valid 011630Z - 021200Z

...THERE IS AN ENHANCED RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FROM PORTIONS OF NORTHEAST MS...NORTHERN AL...AND SOUTHERN TN NORTHEASTWARD TO THE MID-ATLANTIC...

...THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS SURROUNDING THE ENHANCED FROM PARTS OF THE LOWER MS VALLEY TO SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND...

...THERE IS A MARGINAL RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS SURROUNDING THE SLIGHT ACROSS PORTIONS OF THE EASTERN STATES...

...SUMMARY...
Severe thunderstorms with damaging winds are expected from portions of the Southeast to the Mid Atlantic region and parts of southern New England. Damaging winds will be likely, and the risk for tornadoes will exist particularly from parts of northeast Mississippi to portions of north Georgia and vicinity.

...Portions of the Southeast to the Mid-Atlantic region and southern New England...

An extensive belt of strong mid/high-level flow across the Southern and Eastern States will maintain strong deep shear over a moist and diurnally destabilizing warm sector across the area. A squall line from Middle TN toward the central Appalachians will likely spread across the adjacent Piedmont during the next several hours. Re-intensification of this activity is expected, owing to the presence of adequate moisture return (upper 50s to lower 60s dewpoints) amidst surface heating and relatively steep midlevel lapse rates. Swaths of damaging wind gusts will be likely as this activity spreads toward the coastal plain through the evening. A couple of tornadoes will be possible. Severe-wind probabilities have been increased eastward across the Piedmont area.

More separated updrafts/discrete convection are evolving across parts of the lower MS Valley, at the southern end of a zone of stronger deep ascent. As this activity spreads eastward toward parts of the southern Appalachians and vicinity, it will intercept a relatively more moist boundary layer supporting stronger instability further aided by steep midlevel lapse rates (around 8.5 C/km in the 700-500-mb layer per the 12Z [12Z was 7 am this morning] Jackson sounding). With 250-350 m2/s2 of effective SRH associated with modestly curved though long hodographs, [A hodograph is a plot of vertical wind shear from one level to another and is used by meteorologists to assess the potential for severe weather and tornado activity] tornado probabilities have been increased in this area.

With northward extent across the East (i.e., toward southern New England and vicinity), weaker instability will exist owing to more widespread cloud coverage amidst an antecedent cooler/drier boundary layer. However, strong vertical shear profiles will support a conditional severe risk.

Modest destabilization may take place around the upper Ohio Valley and eastern Great Lakes area amidst recycled moisture ahead of the primary cold front, perhaps supporting a band of strongly forced convection spreading eastward from the late afternoon through the evening. Locally damaging wind gusts may accompany this activity.



********************


DAY SPONSOR

Carrion Tree Service is underwriting the daily weather briefing and public safety updates 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 are located at 120 Depot Street.

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



CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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

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

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

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

Severe Weather Preparedness Information and Guide



Several area school systems are dismissing early today, including Nantahala School in Macon County, which is dismissing at 11:45 am in order to prevent students from potentially being exposed to hail, lightning and 60 plus mph winds on school buses or on their walks home this afternoon. The storms are expected to arrive in Nantahala between 3 pm and 5 pm.

In light of the expected severe weather event for this afternoon, here are some severe weather preparedness tips and a guide for dealing with severe weather.

Macon Media also has a page for severe weather preparedness. [LINK] 

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN A WATCH AND A WARNING


Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Be Prepared! Severe thunderstorms are possible in and near the watch area. Stay informed and be ready to act if a severe thunderstorm warning is issued. The watch area is typically large, covering numerous counties or even states.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Take Action! Severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property. Take shelter in a substantial building. Get out of mobile homes that can blow over in high winds. Warnings typically encompass a much smaller area (around the size of a city or small county) that may be impacted by a large hail or damaging wind identified by an NWS forecaster on radar or by a trained spotter/law enforcement who is watching the storm.


Prepare! Don't Let Severe Weather Take You by Surprise

Find out what you can do before severe weather strikes. Preparation is key to staying safe and minimizing impacts.

Be Weather-Ready: Check the forecast regularly to see if you're at risk for severe weather. Listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed about severe thunderstorm watches and warnings. Check the Weather-Ready Nation for tips. [LINK]

Sign Up for Notifications: Know how your community sends warning. Some communities have outdoor sirens. Others depend on media and smart phones to alert residents to severe storms.

Create a Communications Plan: Have a family plan that includes an emergency meeting place and related information. Pick a safe room in your home such as a basement, storm cellar or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows. Get more ideas for a plan at: https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan

Practice Your Plan: Conduct a family severe thunderstorm drill regularly so everyone knows what to do if a damaging wind or large hail is approaching. 

Make sure all members of your family know to go there when severe thunderstorm warnings are issued. Don't forget pets if time allows. 

Prepare Your Home: Keep trees and branches trimmed near your house. If you have time before severe weather hits, secure loose objects, close windows and doors, and move any valuable objects inside or under a sturdy structure.
Help Your Neighbor: Encourage your loved ones to prepare for severe thunderstorms. Take CPR training so you can help if someone is hurt during severe weather.



Severe Weather Preparedness Guide [DOWNLOAD LINK] 





DAY SPONSOR

Carrion Tree Service is underwriting the daily weather briefing and public safety updates 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 are located at 120 Depot Street.

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



CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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

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

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

You have made it possible for Macon Media to begin purchasing state of the art equipment and begin work on building a real website with features not employed by any local news outlets.

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

Published at 10:53 am on Mar 01, 2017 


Daily Weather Briefing for Wednesday, March 1, 2017


Weather Advisories and Warnings Across the USA
Weather Advisories and Warnings Across the USA

NATIONAL OUTLOOK

...Threat for severe storms shifts east into the Tennessee and upper Ohio valleys as well as from southern New England down to the Southeast...

...Record warmth expected for many along the East Coast today...

...Unsettled weather to return to the Pacific Northwest...

Ongoing rounds of severe storms early this morning across the Midwest and Ohio valley will continue to move east today well out ahead of a strong cold front extending from the Great Lakes to Texas. Additional storms are expected to develop near the cold frontal boundary later today with a broad threat for severe storms highlighted by the Storm Prediction Center, extending from the Ohio and Tennessee valleys into the I-95 corridor from New York City down into the Carolinas. While strong straight line winds are expected to be the main concern, large hail and tornadoes will also be possible along with flash flooding. The flash flood threat will be especially focused along the upper Ohio valley into the north-central Appalachians today.

High temperatures ahead of the cold front will be in the 70s and 80s from the New York City metro and southward, with southern New England likely seeing widespread 60s. These values are 15 to 30 degrees above average early March normals, and high temperature records are expected to be set across several cities from southern New England and New York down to the Gulf Coast. The other feature of this storm system worth noting will be a stripe of light to locally moderate snow from eastern Wisconsin into northern lower Michigan toady where up to 6 inches will be possible with locally higher totals.

Temperatures behind the front will cool down to near average for Thursday, and in fact will be close to average across the entire country. The one exception will be the Dakotas into Minnesota on Thursday where high temperatures are forecast to stay in the teens and 20s behind a secondary surge of cold air.

After the large storm system exits the eastern U.S., the weather across the nation will be fairly quiet. Light snow, possibly mixed with rain on the south side, will streak across portions of the Midwest on Thursday, reaching the northern Mid-Atlantic region Friday morning.

Across the Pacific Northwest, light rain and snow will continue through Thursday morning at which point a cold front will approach the region bringing a renewed surge of lower elevation rain and mountain snow to western Washington and Oregon.


HAZARDOUS WEATHER POSSIBLE TODAY


A line of storms may bring severe thunderstorms to Macon County sometime this afternoon or early evening. Please pay attention to local radio and TV broadcasts and where ever you get your weather information throughout the day. If you are outside, pay attention to the sky and come indoors before storms arrive. More information on the storms are in the Hazardous weather segment further down on this page.


LOCAL OVERVIEW

Expect numerous showers and thunderstorms today with some of the storms being strong to severe. All rain will end tonight as a cold front crosses from the northwest. Cool high pressure will build in behind the front into the weekend before another front crosses the area early next week.



DAY SPONSOR

Carrion Tree Service is underwriting the daily weather briefing and public safety updates 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 are located at 120 Depot Street.

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



THREE DAY OUTLOOK






WEDNESDAY (Severe Weather Outbreak Possible)

Cloudy with highs near 70. Variable light winds rising to 5 to 10 mph from the southeast in the afternoon. Wind gusts to 20 mph, higher in thunderstorms. Near 100% chance of rain. Rain is expected between 8 am to midnight, mainly after noon with an increased chance for thunderstorms between noon and midnight, with an expectation that a line may come through the area between 3 pm and 7 pm, some of them may be severe, with torrential rains, damaging winds and hail being the main concern. Rainfall amounts between a quarter and half an inch expected.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

Cloudy with lows near freezing. Winds switching to come out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph, with gusts to 20 mph, higher in thunderstorms. Near 100% chance of rain, heavy at times. Rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch is expected.





THURSDAY

Sunny with highs near the mid 50s and winds out of the northwest near 10 mph.

THURSDAY NIGHT

Mostly clear with lows near 30 and winds 5 to 10 mph from the northwest, becoming calm before midnight.




FRIDAY

Sunny with highs near 50.


FRIDAY NIGHT

Mostly clear with lows near the mid 20s.





HAZARDS

Hazardous weather is possible today, mainly between noon and 7 pm. A line of storms that has a history of producing tornadoes and severe thunderstorms will approach our region sometime this afternoon or early evening. The main concern with these storms is brief torrential rain, damaging winds frequent lightning, and hail. The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for today. It is posted below:

Ahead of a cold front, gusty south to southwest winds are expected today across the mountains. While most areas will see gusts in the 25 to 35 mph range, exposed peaks and ridge tops will see occasional wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph.

As the front approaches the area later today, a line of showers and strong to severe thunderstorms will move into the southern Appalachians by late afternoon. In addition to the potential for locally heavy rain and frequent cloud to ground lightning, there will be a threat of locally damaging winds, with the best chance for damaging winds expected across the North Carolina counties bordering Tennessee, and across the Georgia mountains.

After the cold front sweeps through the area this evening, winds will turn from the northwest and strengthen. Wind gusts of 50 mph or more will be possible, especially near the Blue Ridge and across the high elevations.

..TODAY...High winds possible. Gusty northwest winds will continue across the mountains into Thursday morning.


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



MACON CALENDAR

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




Be the Voice for a Child! Don’t let another child’s voice go unheard. The Guardian Ad Litem program is currently seeking volunteers in your community to be the voice of a foster child in court. The North Carolina Guardian ad Litem Program thrives on volunteerism, and its vital work is only made possible by dedicated volunteers who are committed to the cause of keeping children safe from future harm. We will have a training class for volunteers in Sylva starting March 16, 2017. We would love to have you join us. It's not too late to apply!


If you have an interest in becoming the voice for a child, contact Joe Allen at the Macon County GAL office at 828-349-7222 or Shannon Cowan at the Jackson County GAL Office at 828-587-2087. You can also find out more about the program by visiting www.ncgal.org or www.facebook.com/ncGuardianAdLitem


Weather Extremes Almanac for March 01, 2017



North Carolina

High Temperature 90ºF in Fayetteville, Cumberland County in 1997
Low Temperature -4ºF in Montreat, Yancey County in 1941
Greatest One-Day Rainfall 4.20 inches in Murphy, Cherokee County in 1875
Greatest One-Day Snowfall 26.0 inches in Edenton, Chowan County in 1927

Macon County

High Temperature 75ºF at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1972
Low Temperature 6°F in Highlands in 1920
Greatest One-Day Rainfall 2.50 inches in Franklin in 1875
Greatest One-Day Snowfall 8.0 inches at the Nantahala in 1968


Astronomy


Twilight Begins: 6:37 am
Sunrise: 7:03 am
Sunset 6:29 pm
Twilight Ends: 6:55 pm
Day Length: 12 hours 18 minutes
Sunrise to Sunset: 11 hours 26 minutes



Moon Phase: Waxing Crescent with 12% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated
Moonrise 9:02 am
Moonset 9:58 pm



Observing the Skies

Evening Events and Planets



Chart shows sky at 8:30 pm tonight




Venus and Mars are the bright evening planets.

VENUS
Rises 8:01 am
Sets 9:02 pm
Brightness -4.4 Magnitude
Distance 0.352 AU
Constellation: Pisces

MARS
Rises 8:57 am
Sets 9:49 pm
Brightness 1.4 Magnitude
Distance: 2.041 AU
Constellation: Pisces



Morning Events and Planets


Chart shows sky at 4 am tomorrow morning





MERCURY
Rises 7:02 am
Sets 6:00 pm
Brightness -1.1 Magnitude
Distance 1.380 AU
Constellation: Aquarius

SATURN 


Rises 2:48 am
Sets 12:33 pm
Brightness 1.3
Distance: 10.271 AU
Constellation: Sagittarius

JUPITER
Rises 9:37 pm
Sets 8:59 am
Brightness -2.2 Magnitude
Distance: 4.670 AU
Constellation: Virgo




Sky Guides for this week

Sky and Telescope Magazine 
Astronomy Magazine


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

Heavens Above has an Android App that will assist you in observing the sky and even has a satellite tracker that will let you know when the International Space

Station and dozens of other satellites are overhead. [LINK]

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





CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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

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

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

You have made it possible for Macon Media to begin purchasing state of the art equipment and begin work on building a real website with features not employed by any local news outlets.

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

Published at 5:10 am on Mar 01, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety


Be kind to one another.


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