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Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Severe Thunderstorm Coverage AM Edition
Wednesday, April 5, 2017

This is where material will go for live coverage for people who don't have facebook. Posts will be in reverse chronological order (newest at the top and oldest at the bottom).

Local Public Safety Radio Traffic

Live Audio of local Public Safety Radio Traffic so you can be aware of what areas to avoid and so you can get the gist of local weather conditions is available at MaconScan.com. It is a function of public safety to have radio traffic available so the public can be aware of potential local hazards and they can know when it is dangerous to be out and about and what areas to avoid for their own safety.

LIVE BLOG BEGINS BELOW THIS POINT


**1:30 pm** We are going to have a lull in storm activity for a few hours. A new article will be posted to cover the next round of storms.





**11:50 am** Between 11:20 am and 11:30 am, several lighting strikes knocked out electrical service to 250 Duke Energy customers near Andrews, NC in Cherokee County. Duke Energy is still assessing the damage and does not yet have an estimated restoration time.


Around 11:41 am, lightning strikes alsp knocked out electrical service to 22 Duke Energy customers in the Kirkland Road area of the Ridgecrest Community in Macon County. Duke Energy is still assessing the damage at this location and does not have an estimate of time service might be restored. [UPDATE] **1:10 pm** Service has been restored at this location.

HOW TO REPORT AN ELECTRICAL OUTAGE

Duke Energy

Call 800.769.3766 or in Spanish 866.4.Apagón (866.427.2466).

If you see a fallen power line or safety hazard, call Duke Energy at 800.Power.On (800.769.3766) or in Spanish 866.4.Apagón (866.427.2466) or contact your local emergency services immediately. Do not touch a power line or anything in contact with it and keep others away until help arrives.

Haywood EMC

To report or inquire about power outages, call 1-800-951-6088



**11:25 am** So far, the severe thunderstorms are about a 100 miles or so south of Franklin as they cross from Georgia into South Carolina. We might make it out of the afternoon storms without seeing severe activity. *fingers crossed*
Of course, right after I posted this, we get several lightning strikes.



Nantahala School will be dismissing at 1:00 pm today (Wed April 5) due to impending inclement weather.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1417979321595984&id=195997843794144



**11:00 am** So far, all we are getting in Macon County is areas of heavy rain. Most places are just seeing light or moderate rain as showers pass through the county.



**10:31 am** The Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma has issued a Mesoscale Discussion for the increased chance of convection storms this morning. This means any storms that develop will have an enhanced probability of growing to achieve severe status. Please, if you are outside today, keep an eye on the skies and seek shelter if these storms develop here.



Mesoscale Discussion 0439
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0925 AM CDT Wed Apr 05 2017

Areas affected...Northeast AL...Northern GA...SC

Concerning...Severe potential...Watch possible

Valid 051425Z - 051600Z

Probability of Watch Issuance...40 percent

SUMMARY...Clusters of severe thunderstorms should focus along a corridor from northeast AL into central SC over the next 2-4 hours. New WW may be required downstream across SC to account for an expanding severe threat.

DISCUSSION...Latest radar trends support a broad sustained corridor of low-level warm advection-induced thunderstorms from northeast AL across northern GA. With LLJ expected to strengthen across GA, as the day progresses, it appears moistening/forcing for ascent will increase the likelihood for clusters of severe thunderstorms to spread/develop into SC. Increasing buoyancy amidst strengthening shear aids confidence in a multifaceted severe event across this region. Supercells are likely within this environment along with bow-type structures. Large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes are possible.





**10:12 am** Here is an intense lightning storm just south of Anderson, SC.






**10:22 am** The National Weather Service has posted a Public Information Statement regarding the tornadoes that struck on April 3, 2017. The information is posted below:

Public Information Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
1021 AM EDT Wed Apr 5 2017

...NWS GREENVILLE-SPARTANBURG DAMAGE SURVEY FOR 04/03/17 TORNADO EVENT...Update 1...
*************************
.Pickens County EF-1 Tornado and Straight-Line Winds...

Location... Central in Pickens County, SC
Date... April 3, 2017
Estimated Time... 152 PM EDT
Maximum EF-Scale Rating... EF1
Estimated Maximum Wind Speed... 90mph
Maximum Path Width... 10 yards
Path Length... 0.08 miles
Beginning Lat/Lon... 34.7285N / 82.7812W
Ending Lat/Lon... 34.7296N / 82.7808W

* Fatalities... None
* Injuries... None

...Summary...

The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg SC has confirmed a tornado near Central in Pickens County, South Carolina on April 3, 2017. The tornado very briefly touched down near the intersection of Joseph St. and Wood St. in Central at 152 PM EDT, bringing down dozens of trees in a wooded area behind residences. However, the vast majority of damage across Central was not due to the tornado, rather 70-90mph straight-line winds. Hundreds of trees across town were downed, with some minor structural damage mainly from branches hitting houses. The worst structural damage occurred to a the New Olive Grove Missionary Baptist Church.

************************************
.Pickens and Greenville Counties EF-0 Tornado...

Location...From 3 miles southwest of Berea in Pickens County SC to Berea in Greenville County SC.
Date...April 3, 2017.
Estimated Time...From around 212 PM EDT to 215 PM EDT.
Maximum EF-Scale Rating...EF0
Estimated Maximum Wind Speed...85 mph.
Maximum Path Width...50 yards.
Path Length...3 miles.
Beginning Lat/Lon...34.8592 / -82.5074.
Ending lat/Lon...34.8796 / -82.4636.

* Fatalities...None
* Injuries...None

...Summary...
The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg SC has confirmed a tornado near Berea in Pickens and Greenville Counties in South Carolina on April 3, 2017. The tornado touched down in eastern Pickens County near Saluda Dam and Pistol Club Roads, downing trees and damaging outbuildings at a farm, ripping metal sheeting off the roofs. Some minor structural damage, mainly in the form of missing shingles, occurred to a nearby house. The tornado weakened and moved east, skipping up and down as it crossed Saluda Lake, downing a few trees in extreme western Greenville County in Berea before lifting.

***********************************
.Laurens County EF-0 Tornado...

Location...Four miles northwest of Laurens in Laurens County South Carolina
Date...April 3, 2017
Estimated Time...From approximately 250 PM EDT to 251 PM EDT
Maximum EF-Scale Rating...EF0
Estimated Maximum Wind Speed...85 mph
Maximum Path Width...75 yards
Path Length...0.75 miles, continuous
Beginning Lat/Lon...34.5537 / -82.0697
Ending Lat/Lon...34.5553 / -82.0566

* Fatalities...None
* Injuries...None

...Summary...
The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg SC has confirmed a tornado four miles northwest of Laurens in Laurens County South Carolina on April 3, 2017. Most of the damage consisted of downed, but some minor structural damage occurred, mainly in the form of minor roof damage.

*******************************
.Union County EF-1 Tornado and Downburst Winds...

Location...About 6 miles north of Whitmire in Union County South Carolina.
Date...April 3, 2017.
Estimated Time...323 PM EDT.
Maximum EF-Scale Rating...EF1.
Estimated Maximum Wind Speed...100 mph.
Maximum Path Width...150 yards at touchdown, tapering to 75-100 yards at end.
Path Length...1.25 miles.
Beginning Lat/Lon...34.586N/81.602W
Ending lat/Lon...34.586N/81.594W
* Fatalities...1
* Injuries...0

...Summary...
The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg SC has confirmed a tornado near 6 N Whitmire in Union County South Carolina on April 3, 2017. Tornado damage started around Healing Springs Church Road and Eaves Road and ended near the end of Eaves Road. The fatality occurred in a mobile home which was overturned and rolled off its frame.

The tornado path length was 1.25 miles long, about 150 yards wide at touchdown and tapering to 75 to 100 yards at the end. Damaging downburst winds also extended about 100 to 200 yards south of the tornado path.


***************************
This information can also be found at our website, weather.gov/gsp.

* The information in this statement is preliminary and subject to change pending final review of the event(s) and publication in NWS Storm Data.

For reference: the Enhanced Fujita Scale classifies tornadoes into the following categories:

EF0...Wind speeds 65 to 85 mph
EF1...Wind speeds 86 to 110 mph
EF2...Wind speeds 111 to 135 mph
EF3...Wind speeds 136 to 165 mph
EF4...Wind speeds 166 to 200 mph
EF5...Wind speeds greater than 200 mph





**10:12 am** Here is an intense lightning storm just south of Anderson, SC.




**10:10 am** Here is the National Radar Loop so you can see the moisture and the storms between here and the Gulf of Mexico.

 photo NatLoop_zpsth9lmbkk.gif



Radar loop covering 9:08 am to 9:47 am

 photo wx 2017 0405 0908 0947 radar_zpsjafqxq7q.gif



Here is a radar loop from 8:29 am to 9:12 am.
 photo wx 2017 0405 0917 loop_zpsxw2pr4jg.gif



**9:03 am** A trained spotter has reported quarter inch hail in Carnesville, Georgia. This is in Franklin County.
9Future updates will only be from surrounding counties or those that are between us and storms)





SEVERE THUNDERSTORM THREAT FOR TODAY AND TONIGHT
APRIL 5 ,2017
9:00 am


There is potential for severe weather in two rounds today. The first will occur in the mid morning to early afternoon hours and the second, more dangerous situation, will occur around or after 8 pm tonight. Please be weather aware and keep a radio or other weather alerting device on nearby today and tonight.

The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook that includes Macon County. A copy is posted below:

..WEDNESDAY...Severe weather possible. A strong cold front will approach the region from the west late Wednesday. Scattered to numerous thunderstorms are expected to develop along and ahead of the front. Conditions are expected to be favorable for severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes. Localized flash flooding will also be possible.

..THURSDAY...High winds possible. In the wake of the cold front, strong west to northwest winds will develop across the area. Winds may become strong enough from Thursday into Thursday night to cause at least isolated downed trees and power lines.
As always, you can check to see what advisories, watches and warnings are in effect for Macon County by visiting http://is.gd/MACONWARN



MESOSCALE PRECIPITATION DISCUSSION 0101...Correction
NWS WEATHER PREDICTION CENTER COLLEGE PARK MD
827 AM EDT WED APR 05 2017

AREAS AFFECTED...PORTIONS OF AL, GA, AND SC

CONCERNING...HEAVY RAINFALL...FLASH FLOODING POSSIBLE

VALID 051220Z - 051805Z

SUMMARY...BURGEONING CONVECTION IS EXPECTED TO SHOW PERIODS OF TRAINING OVER PORTIONS OF AL, GA, AND EVENTUALLY NORTHWEST/CENTRAL SC. WITH HOURLY RAIN RATES UP TO 2", AND LOCAL AMOUNTS UP TO 4", FLASH FLOODING IS POSSIBLE IN HILLY TERRAIN AND URBAN AREAS.

DISCUSSION...THUNDERSTORMS CONTINUE TO INCREASE IN COVERAGE AND INTENSITY (WITH COOLING CLOUD TOPS) UP TO 100 NM NORTHEAST OF A WARM FRONT, WITH A RECENTLY DEVELOPED LONG CONVECTIVE BAND ACROSS PORTIONS OF CENTRAL AL AS OF 12Z. INFLOW AT 850 HPA TO THE SOUTHEAST OF AN OCCLUDED CYCLONE IS BROADLY 30-40 KTS OUT OF THE SOUTHWEST PER VAD WIND PROFILES, WHICH IS IMPORTING MUCAPES OF 2000-3000 J/KG OVER THE BOUNDARY. DIVERGENCE ALOFT IS PLENTIFUL SOUTHEAST OF THE DEEP CYCLONE. PRECIPITABLE WATER VALUES, PER THE BMX SOUNDING, ARE ABOUT 1.5" (GPS PW INFORMATION LOOKS WAY TOO LOW ACROSS AL/GA).

A LONG BAND HAS ALREADY SET UP IN AL (WHICH HAS BEEN HANDLED REASONABLY WELL BY THE 06Z NAM CONEST). UNFORECAST CONVECTION HAS BEEN FORMING ACROSS PORTIONS OF GA AND RAP BASED MASS FIELDS DO NOT APPEAR TO BE MOIST ENOUGH PER THE BMX SOUNDING. BELIEVE LOCAL AMOUNTS IN THE 2-4" RANGE SHOULD BE EXPECTED, MAINLY WITHIN LONG TRAINING BANDS THOUGH SOME BACKBUILDING IS POSSIBLE AS LOW-LEVEL INFLOW RAMPS UP SLIGHTLY FURTHER, WITH BACKBUILDING MOST LIKELY NEAR THE WARM FRONT. LONG BANDS WILL GENERALLY BE NECESSARY FOR HIGHER RAIN RATES AS FORWARD PROPAGATION TO THE EAST-NORTHEAST AT 40-50 KTS IS EXPECTED. WITH INCREASING MOISTURE/INSTABILITY BEING IMPORTED AHEAD OF THE OCCLUDED CYCLONE, HOURLY RAIN RATES SHOULD LOCALLY PEAK IN THE 2" RANGE, WHICH WOULD BE PROBLEMATIC IN URBAN AND HILLY AREAS WITHIN THE REGION. THERE IS A WINDOW ROUGHLY BETWEEN 14-16Z WHERE CONVECTION SHOULD EVOLVE FROM MORE ELEVATED TO MORE SURFACE BASED AS CIN ERODES, WHICH COULD ALSO ALLOW FOR POTENTIAL BACKBUILDING. FLASH FLOODING IS MOST POSSIBLE WITHIN URBAN AREAS AND HILLY TERRAIN.

END UPDATE






Daily Weather Briefing for Wednesday, April 5, 2017




SEVERE WEATHER POSSIBLE

There is potential for severe weather in two rounds today. The first will occur in the mid morning to early afternoon hours and the second, more dangerous situation, will occur around or after 8 pm tonight. Please be weather aware and keep a radio or other weather alerting device on nearby today and tonight. More information is in the update below in the Hazards Segment of the update.

NATIONAL OVERVIEW

...Stormy weather across the southeastern U.S. and rain/snow returns to the West Coast...

The main weather story through the middle of the week will be a potent storm system currently crossing the Midwest states. Severe weather will be the hallmark of this low pressure system as it makes its way towards the East Coast by Thursday afternoon. This is expected in the warm sector from the Ohio Valley to the Florida Panhandle on Wednesday, and then the eastern Mid-Atlantic region on Thursday. The Storm Prediction Center has additional details regarding the severe weather threat. This storm system will likely have a wintry side to it as well, with a band of accumulating snow across the lower peninsula of Michigan on the northwest side of the precipitation shield. As the low intensifies, expect windy conditions to develop across much of the eastern U.S. for the end of the week.

The West Coast from northern California to Washington state will also have a return to unsettled conditions. A slow moving frontal boundary will slowly move inland along with a plume of Pacific moisture, producing rainfall amounts up to an inch, with higher amounts possible across the Olympic mountains. Several inches of snow is likely for the higher elevations of the Cascades and the mountains of northern California. A stronger storm system approaches the coast by Friday morning, along with windy conditions and lowering snow levels.

LOCAL OUTLOOK

Weak high pressure will cross our area through tonight. A strong cold front approaches on Wednesday preceded by another round of showers and thunderstorms with some of the storms being severe with large hail and wind damage. Expect much below normal temperatures at the end of the week with snow showers in the North Carolina mountains.

Weather Almanac for April 5th (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 88°F in Highlands in 1942
Lowest Temperature 15°F in Highlands in 1903
Greatest Rainfall 4.06 inches in Nantahala in 1957
Greatest Snowfall 4.5 inches in Franklin in 1987



THREE DAY OUTLOOK




TODAY

Partly cloudy in he morning, becoming cloudy by noon with highs near 70. Calm winds in the morning, then rising through the morning to between 5 an 10 mph by mid morning. Rain chances will increase through the day, with the potential for thunderstorms after noon. Rainfall amounts between a quarter and half an inch.


TONIGHT (Severe Thunderstorms Expected)

Cloudy, with patchy fog expected to develop overnight and lows in the lower 40s. Rain and thunderstorms are expected, with heavy rain and severe thunderstorms likely. Winds will be from the southeast before midnight and shifting to come from the west after midnight as the cold front passes. Wind gusts will likely exceed 20 mph, higher in thunderstorms. Rainfall amounts between a half an inch and three quarters of an inch are expected, with more possible in locations that see multiple thunderstorms.



THURSDAY

Cloudy with highs near 50 and winds out of the west between 10 and 20 mph, with gusts around 30 mph are expected. Rain is expected to be over before 1 pm with rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch expected.

THURSDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows near freezing (wind chills will be in the 20s or lower) and winds from the northwest 15 to 20 mph. Wind gusts will probably be around 30 mph. Rain is expected before 2 am and rain and snow showers after 2 am. Little or no snow accumulation is expected for most of the county. Higher elevations could see some accumulation.



FRIDAY

Decreasing clouds to partly sunny skies with highs near 50 and winds out of the northwest 15 to 20 mph with gusts in the 25 to 30 mph range. Rain and snow showers should end by 10 am or so. Little or no accumulation expected.

FRIDAY NIGHT

Partly cloudy with lows near freezing.



HAZARDS

Hazardous weather is expected today. Our first opportunity for severe weather will be in the mid to late morning hours as a warm front passes through. If this system is really active, it may serve to limit how severe the second round gets later in the evening/early morning hours becomes.

The second opportunity for severe weather is expected after 8 pm as a line of severe storms arrives from the west. Frequent lightning, large hail, torrential downpours, and damaging winds are possible. Be prepared for possible power outages.

The severe storm potential will be followed by a time period of high winds. The main concern will be scattered power outages as tree limbs fall on power lines and power poles.

Please be weather aware and familiar with the advice offered on Macon Media's Severe Weather Preparedness Page at http://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/p/breaking-news-hub.html

The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook that includes Macon County. A copy is posted below:

..WEDNESDAY...Severe weather possible. A strong cold front will approach the region from the west late Wednesday. Scattered to numerous thunderstorms are expected to develop along and ahead of the front. Conditions are expected to be favorable for severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes. Localized flash flooding will also be possible.


..THURSDAY...High winds possible. In the wake of the cold front, strong west to northwest winds will develop across the area. Winds may become strong enough from Thursday into Thursday night to cause at least isolated downed trees and power lines.

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


MACON CALENDAR

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

BUILDING A RECOVERY COMMUNITY

APRIL 6th at 6 pm in the Drake Education Center at 210 Phillips Street

Donald McDonald will be the main speaker.
For more information, contact Kay 706-970-9987 or Perry 828-200-3000




2016 FIRE SIZE PRESENTATION

The United States Forest Service will be making a presentation will cover the organization of suppression resources, cooperative efforts, suppression repair activities and future Forest Service restoration activities at Tartan Hall on April 6th.

More information is on the blog at http://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/2017/03/2016-fire-size-presentation-scheduled.html


SYRINGE EXCHANGE PROGRAM

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





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 4:55 am on April 5, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

Tuesday, April 4, 2017

Daily Weather Briefing for Tuesday, April 4, 2017




NATIONAL OVERVIEW

...Threats of severe weather and flash flooding will impact portions of the Central and Southern Plains, and along the central Gulf Coast today and tonight...

...Expect snow to occur through the Rockies and portions of the Western Plains today, tapering off throughout the day and into the overnight...

...Snow, possibly mixed with rain and ice, will impact the far Northeast over the next several days...


There are two main systems which will impact the weather across much of the continental U.S. over the next few days. The first is an area of low pressure that will progress across the Great Lakes today, reaching the Northeast by tonight, then shifting eastward off the Atlantic Coast by Wednesday. This will drag a cold front eastward along much of the Atlantic Seaboard today, but will also curve to the southwest and become a warm front along the Gulf Coast. The second system of concern will be located in the Southwest this morning, moving across the Southern Plains today as it continues to deepen. An associated cold front will traverse the Southern Plains today, the Lower and Mid Mississippi Valley overnight, and then across much of the eastern U.S. Wednesday into Wednesday night as the surface low shifts northeast.

Concerning the first system... The associated cold front will quickly shift eastward off the central-Atlantic Seaboard today, with no weather concerns expected for much of the central Atlantic coastline after this morning. Meanwhile, farther north, closer to the low pressure center, flow off of the Atlantic Coast will be alive and well, pulling moisture well into the Great Lakes Region. Rain, heavy at times, and chances for thunderstorms can be expected from the Great Lakes, northern Mid Atlantic, and the Northeast throughout today. Given colder temperatures across the far Northeast, precipitation will change to a mixture of rain, ice, and snow. This wintry precipitation will linger over the next few days. Flood watches are in effect for portions of the Northeast, including much of New York. Winter Weather Advisories and Winter Storm warnings are also in effect farther north, mainly across portions of Maine. Meanwhile, the warm front along the Gulf Coast, associated with the same system, will allow for shower and thunderstorm chances along the Gulf Coast throughout the day today.

Attention then turns to the second system traversing the southern Plains. Moisture located on the backside of the center of low pressure will result in continued snow for much of the Rockies and into the western Plains through the first part of today. As the low shifts to the east today, snow will taper off, though may linger across the highest terrain in the central Rockies into the overnight. Winter Weather Advisories and Winter Storm warnings are in effect for much of Colorado and southward into Northern Arizona. Meanwhile, just to the east, the pull of warm moist air off of the Gulf of Mexico ahead of the low pressure system, will allow for scattered showers and thunderstorms across the central and southern Plains. These showers and thunderstorms will intensify throughout the afternoon/evening, and even into the overnight, as the system gains strength and begins to interact with the warm unstable airmass in place across the East-Central U.S. Showers and thunderstorms will move into the Mississippi Valley Region overnight, and then fill in across much of the eastern U.S. Wednesday into Thursday. The Storm Prediction Center has placed an Enhanced Risk for severe weather across portions of Northeast Oklahoma, Southeastern Kansas, and far southwestern Missouri for the strong storm potential this afternoon, with a Slight Risk in place from western Oklahoma northeastward into Central Missouri. Another Enhanced Risk of severe weather exists for portions of Southeastern Mississippi and Southwestern Alabama for late tonight/early Wednesday morning as the cold front continues eastward. A Slight Risk also in place across portions of the Gulf States for this time as well. Please refer to the Storm Prediction Website for more information concerning severe storm potential (www.spc.ncep.noaa.gov). The Weather Prediction Center has also outlined portions of eastern Kansas in a Slight Risk for excessive rainfall (exceeding flash flood guidance) for today, with a Marginal Risk stretching from southwestern Kansas, across much of Missouri, and into west-central Illinois.

LOCAL NEWS


Video of last night's meeting of the Town Board of Aldermen is on the blog, including a separate video of the public hearing and board discussion about the potential name change of the Town Board of Aldermen to Town Council. [LINK]


LOCAL OUTLOOK

Weak high pressure will cross our area through tonight. A strong cold front approaches on Wednesday preceded by another round of showers and thunderstorms with the potential for some of the to become strong or severe. Expect much below normal temperatures at the end of the week with snow showers in the North Carolina mountains.

Weather Almanac for April 4th (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 85°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1963
Lowest Temperature 15°F in Highlands in 1936
Greatest Rainfall 3.367 inches in Highlands in 1957
Greatest Snowfall 9.5 inches in Franklin in 1987



THREE DAY OUTLOOK




TODAY

Mostly sunny with highs near the mid 70s and winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph.


TONIGHT

Mostly clear with lows near 50 and winds out of the northwest calming before midnight.



WEDNESDAY (Severe Thunderstorms Possible)

Mostly cloudy with highs in the low 70s and light winds out of the south. Rain, mainly after 11 am, with rainfall amounts between a half an inch and three quarters of an inch expected.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

Cloudy with lows near the lower 40s. Winds out of the south shifting to come of the west northwest after midnight. 80% chance of rain.



THURSDAY

Mostly cloudy with highs near 50. Brrr.

THURSDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows near freezing. Rain is expected to end by 3 am.


HAZARDS

Hazardous weather is not expected today.

Since we appear to be in an active weather period, please be weather aware and familiar with the advice offered on Macon Media's Severe Weather Preparedness Page at http://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/p/breaking-news-hub.html

The National Weather Service expects that severe thunderstorms will arrive in the region Wednesday (tomorrow) afternoon with the main concerns being damaging winds, large hail and torrential rainfall. Localized flash flooding is possible in locations that are hit by multiple storms.

A copy of the Hazardous Weather Outlook that has been issued by the National Weather Service is posted below:

...WEDNESDAY...Severe weather possible. Another strong upper level system and associated warm and cold front will affect the region Wednesday afternoon and Wednesday night. Damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes could occur with any of these thunderstorms.

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


MACON CALENDAR

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

BUILDING A RECOVERY COMMUNITY

APRIL 6th at 6 pm in the Drake Education Center at 210 Phillips Street

Donald McDonald will be the main speaker.
For more information, contact Kay 706-970-9987 or Perry 828-200-3000




2016 FIRE SIZE PRESENTATION

The United States Forest Service will be making a presentation will cover the organization of suppression resources, cooperative efforts, suppression repair activities and future Forest Service restoration activities at Tartan Hall on April 6th.

More information is on the blog at http://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/2017/03/2016-fire-size-presentation-scheduled.html


SYRINGE EXCHANGE PROGRAM

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





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 4:45 am on April 4, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

Monday, April 3, 2017

Regular April 2017 Meeting
Franklin Town Board of Aldermen



The Town of Franklin Board of Aldermen will be meeting tonight at 7 pm. The public agenda and the agenda packet are posted below. A video of the meeting will be posted as soon as it is processed.

**7:55 am on April 4th** Here is video of the entire meeting.



MEDIA ROLL CALL
(Media outlets with reporters/photographers present for the meeting)

Macon Media (me)
Macon County News and Shopping Guide
WFSC-AM/WNCC-FM
The Franklin Press

OTHER ELECTED OFFICIALS
(People holding elected office other than Alderman or Mayor)

None

Here is video of the Public Hearing and Board Discussion on the potential name change of the board from BOard of Aldermen to Town Council.




Town of Franklin Board of Aldermen

Agenda

April 03, 2017 | 7:00 p.m.

1. Call to Order- Mayor Bob Scott
2. Pledge of Allegiance- Vice Mayor Patti Abel
3. Adoption of the April 3, 2017 Town Board Agenda
4. Approval of March 6, 2017 Town Board Minutes
5. Public Hearing 7:05 p.m. Regarding the Charter of the Town of Franklin to change the style of the Municipal Corporation from Board of Aldermen to Town Council
6. Public Session
7. New Business
a.) Board Action Regarding the Charter of the Town of Franklin to change the style of Municipal Corporation from Board of Aldermen to Town Council
b.) Forward River District Overlay to Town Planning Board- Land Use Administrator Justin Setser
c.) Street Closing Request for Holly Springs Baptist Church- Town Manager Summer Woodard
d.) Depot Street Sidewalk Construction Agreement between the Town of Franklin and the North Carolina Department of Transportation- Town Manager Summer Woodard
e.) Discussion on Speed Enforcement on Bidwell Street- Town Manager Summer Woodard
f.) Budget Amendment- Finance Officer Kyra Doster
8. Legal
a.) Cross-Connection Control Ordinance- Town Attorney John Henning Jr.
b.) Traffic Ordinance Adjusting the Speed on Mimosa Drive and the Direction of Travel on Watauga Street
9. Announcements
a.) Town Hall Offices will be closed Friday April 14, 2017 in Observance of Good Friday
b.) Town Board Budget Work Session will be Monday April 17, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. in the Town Hall Boardroom
10. Adjournment



AGENDA PACKET






DAY SPONSOR


Carrion Tree Service is underwriting the daily weather briefing and public safety updates for today. they are  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 5:15 pm on April 3, 2017



Daily Weather Briefing for Monday, April 3, 2017




NATIONAL OVERVIEW

....Threats of severe weather and flash flooding will impact areas from the Southern Plains to the Southeast today and Monday...

...Expect snow to occur through the Rockies over the next few days...


Severe weather and flash flooding will be a concern through Monday as a cold front slowly moves across Texas toward the Southeast. The cold front is currently moving over South Central Texas and will approach southeast Texas this evening. Convection will move eastward across East Texas and into Louisiana by tonight. The Storm Prediction Center has these areas in a high risk for severe weather (please check www.spc.ncep.noaa.gov for more information). In addition, areas along the western Gulf Coast are in at least a slight risk of severe weather as this complex of thunderstorms continues its easterly track through tomorrow morning. Flash flooding will also be an issue for parts of East Texas and the lower Mississippi Valley--with WPC having a moderate risk for flash flooding mostly in central Louisiana and western Mississippi. The threat for both severe weather and flash flooding shifts to the Southeast as the front moves across this region--with most of the severe weather occurring from the central Gulf Coast and into South Carolina. Once the cold front is east of the Appalachians by Tuesday morning, the severe weather and flash flooding will no longer be threats. Showers with some embedded thunderstorms can be expected along the East Coast on Tuesday.

Another cold front will drop southeast across the Intermountain West and Rockies over the next couple of days. This will bring precipitation chances to these regions, with higher elevation snow expected in the northern Rockies through tonight. As the front progresses southward tonight and Monday, precipitation will occur throughout the Central Great Basin and Central Rockies--including higher elevation snow. As the system continues moving south and intensifies over the Plains, precipitation and snow will increase especially across Colorado. This system will move over the Plains on Tuesday, bringing with it convection across the Plains and into the middle and lower Mississippi Valleys.

LOCAL OUTLOOK

Moist southerly flow will increase ahead of an approaching storm system. A strong upper system and associated cold front will move into our area this afternoon and evening yielding greater chances for showers and thunderstorms, some of which could be strong to severe. Conditions will dry out through Tuesday before another cold front moves in on Wednesday evening bringing another round of showers and thunderstorms. Expect much below temperatures at the end of the week with snow showers in the higher elevations.

Weather Almanac for April 3rd (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 90°F in Highlands in 1946
Lowest Temperature 19°F in Highlands in 1936
Greatest Rainfall 2.37 inches at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1979
Greatest Snowfall 0.8 inches in Highlands in 1901


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 (Severe Thunderstorms Possible)

Patchy fog early with highs near the mid to upper 60s and winds out of the southeast. Rain chances start out at 30% at 6 am and reach 100% chance just before 2 pm today with rainfall amounts between a half an inch to three quarters of an inch expected, with more in locations that see multiple thunderstorms. Severe thunderstorms are likely, mainly after 10 am into the afternoon hours.


TONIGHT

Mostly cloudy with patchy fog near midnight and winds from the south. Rain expected to be over before midnight with rainfall amounts between a quarter and a half an inch expected, more in locations that see multiple thunderstorms.



TUESDAY

Mostly sunny with highs near the mid 70s and winds out of the west.

TUESDAY NIGHT

Partly cloudy with lows near the upper 40s and winds out of the northwest calming before midnight.



WEDNESDAY

Mostly cloudy with highs near the lower 70s. 30% chance of rain, mainly after 3 pm.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows near the mid 40s. 70% chance of rain.



HAZARDS

Hazardous weather is expected today. Please be weather aware and familiar with the advice offered on Macon Media's Severe Weather Preparedness Page at http://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/p/breaking-news-hub.html

The National Weather Service expects that severe thunderstorms will arrive in the region this afternoon with the main concerns being damaging winds, large hail and torrential rainfall. Localized flash flooding is possible in locations that are hit by multiple storms.

A copy of the Hazardous Weather Outlook that has been issued by the National Weather Service is posted below:

..MONDAY...Severe weather possible. A potent upper level system will move over the region Monday afternoon and evening. Conditions are expected to be favorable for isolated to scattered severe thunderstorms. The primary threats will be damaging winds, large hail, and heavy rainfall. Although the tornado threat is lower for this region, an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out.

..WEDNESDAY...Severe weather possible. Another strong upper level system will affect the region Wednesday afternoon and evening. Another round of isolated severe thunderstorms is expected. Damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes could occur once again. The thunderstorm threats will come to an end Thursday evening with the passage of a cold front.

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


MACON CALENDAR

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

BUILDING A RECOVERY COMMUNITY

APRIL 6th at 6 pm in the Drake Education Center at 210 Phillips Street

Donald McDonald will be the main speaker.
For more information, contact Kay 706-970-9987 or Perry 828-200-3000




2016 FIRE SIZE PRESENTATION

The United States Forest Service will be making a presentation will cover the organization of suppression resources, cooperative efforts, suppression repair activities and future Forest Service restoration activities at Tartan Hall on April 6th.

More information is on the blog at http://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/2017/03/2016-fire-size-presentation-scheduled.html


SYRINGE EXCHANGE PROGRAM

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





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 4:02 am on April 3, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

Sunday, April 2, 2017

Daily Weather Briefing for Sunday, April 2, 2017




NATIONAL OVERVIEW

...Threats of severe weather and flash flooding will impact areas from the Southern Plains to the Southeast today and Monday...

...An increase in snow will occur through the Rockies...


A low pressure system moving through the Southern Plains will be the primary driver for both the severe weather and flash flooding in the southern U.S. over the next few days. A cold front is currently moving eastward across central Texas this morning. This will eventually combine with a secondary low pressure system and emerging warm front that will lift north from the Gulf of Mexico during the day today. The merged system will bring plenty of moisture and instability across Texas as it continues to slowly progress eastward, reaching the Lower Mississippi Valley tonight. The best convection is expected to develop along and just ahead of the cold front. The Storm Prediction Center has placed eastern Texas, central and northern Louisiana, and far southwest Mississippi in a moderate risk of severe weather for today through tonight (please check www.spc.ncep.noaa.gov for more information). There will also be a slight risk for flash flooding across eastern Texas and portions of the Lower Mississippi Valley. Flash flood watches are currently in effect along the Gulf Coast as a result. The low pressure system will then eject northeastward during the day Monday--pushing the risk of severe weather and flash flooding eastward as well. The Storm Prediction Center has outlined much of the Southeast in a Moderate Risk for severe weather for Monday. In addition, the northward progression of the system will result in rain and thunderstorm chances for much of the eastern U.S. Monday and Tuesday.

Another cold front will drop southeast across the Intermountain West and Rockies over the next couple of days. This will bring precipitation chances to these regions, with higher elevation snow expected today, generally in the northern Rockies. As the front progresses southward tonight and Monday, precipitation will occur throughout the Central Great Basin and Central Rockies--including higher elevation snow. Precipitation/snow is expected to increase Monday night into Tuesday, mainly across Colorado, as a low pressure system develops and intensifies along the southern extent of the frontal boundary as it pushes across the Southern Rockies and Southwest.

LOCAL OUTLOOK

Dry high pressure will dominate the local weather pattern through Sunday before rain chances increase on Monday. A strong upper system and associated cold front will move into the picture for Monday afternoon and evening yielding greater chances for showers and thunderstorms, some of which could be strong to severe. Conditions will dry out through Tuesday before another cold frontal system moves in on Wednesday evening bringing another round of showers and thunderstorms. The end of the week will be highlighted by the return to below normal temperatures and temperatures that will be below freezing Thursday night and early Friday. The higher elevations (above 4,000 feet or so) could see some snow if enough moisture is present.

Weather Almanac for April 2nd (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 85°F at the Coweeta Experimental Statio in 1946
Lowest Temperature 15°F in Highlands in 1987
Greatest Rainfall 4.30 inches in Highlands in 1920
Greatest Snowfall 0.5 inches in Highlands in 1915



THREE DAY OUTLOOK




TODAY

Sunny with highs near the lower 70s. Calm winds in the morning, then from the southeast in the afternoon.


TONIGHT

Increasing clouds and lows near 50 and calm winds. Slight chance of rain, mainly after 3 am.



MONDAY

Cloudy with highs near the mid to upper 60s and winds from the southeast 5 to 10 mph. Rain chances increase from 30% at 6 am to near 100% at 6 pm. Rainfall amounts between a half an inch to an inch is possible. Rain will be heavy at times, with the potential for flash flooding. Severe thunderstorms are also possible in the late afternoon time frame.

MONDAY NIGHT

Showers and thunderstorms with lows near the lower 50s and winds out of the southeast before midnight and then shifting to come out of the southwest and west after midnight. Locations that are hit by thunderstorms could see torrential rainfall. Rainfall amounts between half an inch and an inch are possible.



TUESDAY

Mostly sunny with highs near the low to mid 70s and winds out of the west between 5 to 10 mph. Rain chances end by 7 am or so.

TUESDAY NIGHT

Partly cloudy with-lows in the mid 40s.




HAZARDS

No hazardous weather expected today. The National Weather Service expects that severe thunderstorms will arrive in the region Monday afternoon with the main concerns being damaging winds, large hail and torrential rainfall. Localized flash flooding is possible in locations that are hit by multiple storms.

A copy of the Hazardous Weather Outlook that has been issued by the National Weather Service is posted below:

..MONDAY...Severe weather possible. A potent upper level system will move atop the region Monday afternoon through overnight. Conditions are expected to be favorable for isolated to scattered severe thunderstorms. The primary threats will be damaging winds, large hail, and heavy rainfall that could lead to flash flooding. Although the tornado threat is lower for this region, an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out.

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


MACON CALENDAR

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

BUILDING A RECOVERY COMMUNITY

APRIL 6th at 6 pm in the Drake Education Center at 210 Phillips Street

Donald McDonald will be the main speaker.
For more information, contact Kay 706-970-9987 or Perry 828-200-3000




2016 FIRE SIZE PRESENTATION

The United States Forest Service will be making a presentation will cover the organization of suppression resources, cooperative efforts, suppression repair activities and future Forest Service restoration activities at Tartan Hall on April 6th.

More information is on the blog at http://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/2017/03/2016-fire-size-presentation-scheduled.html


SYRINGE EXCHANGE PROGRAM

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





CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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

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

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

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


Published at 5:15 am on April 2, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

Saturday, April 1, 2017

Daily Weather Briefing for Saturday, April 1, 2017




NATIONAL OVERVIEW

...A wintry mix of snow, rain, and ice is expected to continue across the Northeast today, changing to snow tonight...

...Severe thunderstorms are possible across portions of the Southern Plains today, pushing eastward into the Lower Mississippi Valley Sunday...

...Snow will slowly taper off throughout the day across the Western Great Basin, Central and Southern Rockies, and portions of the Southwest...

The potent low pressure system that impacted much of the eastern U.S. is now moving off shore, with high pressure and drier conditions expected to take hold east of the Mississippi River. The one caveat will be the Northeast, where return flow will continue to combine with cold air moving southward from Canada, resulting in a mix of rain, snow, and ice across much of the region. This will eventually change to all snow as temperatures fall below freezing overnight, and then taper off during the day Sunday as the low pressure system continues to propagate eastward and away from the coast.

Another low pressure system will continue to slowly traverse the Southern Plains over the next couple of days. The position of this low will allow for deep warm and moist southerly flow inland from the Gulf of Mexico ahead of the associated cold front. This, in turn, will lead to rain across much of the Southern And Central Plains, as well as embedded thunderstorms. For today, the strongest storms will be along and just east of the dry line which will set up across southwest Texas. The Storm Prediction Center has highlighted much of South-Central Texas northward into Southern Oklahoma as being in a slight risk for severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds and large hail. By tomorrow, the system will move eastward and will merge with another warm front moving onshore. This will increase the severe thunderstorm threat, and may lead to isolated tornadic supercell development. As such, the Storm Prediction Center has highlighted southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana in a moderate risk for severe weather tomorrow. Surrounding areas will be in a enhanced and slight risk for severe weather as well. Please refer to to the Storm Prediction Center's website for more information.

Meanwhile, on the northwest side of the above mentioned area of low pressure, snow is expected to slowly taper off today across the Western Great Basin, Central and Southern Rockies, and portions of the Southwest. Winter Weather Advisories and Winter Storm Warnings are in effect for portions of this region where heaviest snow accumulations are expected.


LOCAL OUTLOOK

Dry and warm high pressure will build across the region through the weekend. Unsettled weather is expected to return early next week with a storm system coming through late Monday and Monday night and then another Wednesday night and Thursday.

Weather Almanac for April 1st (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 88°F in Franklin in 1986
Lowest Temperature 13°F in Highlands in 1987
Greatest Rainfall 2.63 inches at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1999
Greatest Snowfall 2.5 inches in Franklin in 1881

Climate Normals for April

Cell Franklin Coweeta Highlands
Max Temp 68.5°F 68.3°F 62.4°F
Low Temp38.9°F 40.5°F 37.5°F
Rain 4.09 inches 5.67 inches 6.47 inches




THREE DAY OUTLOOK




TODAY

Partly sunny with decreasing clouds to become sunny with highs near 70. Calm winds early, then out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning hours.


TONIGHT

Mostly clear with lows near the upper 30s. Winds out of the northwest calming before midnight.



SUNDAY

Mostly sunny with highs near the mid 70s. Calm winds early, then from the south in the afternoon.

SUNDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows near the lower 50s and light winds out of the southeast. Slight chance of rain, mainly after 2 am.



MONDAY

Cloudy and rainy with thunderstorms and highs in the mid to upper 60s.

MONDAY NIGHT

Cloudy and rainy with lows in the lower 50s. Thunderstorms are possible overnight


HAZARDS

No hazardous weather expected today. 


Hazardous Weather Outlook from the National Weather Service 
(issued at 4:56 am)

..Monday...Severe weather possible. A potent upper level system will move atop the region Monday afternoon and overnight. Conditions are expected to be favorable for isolated strong to severe thunderstorms across the region.

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


MACON CALENDAR

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

BIRDWALK on APRIL 1st

John and Cathy Sill will lead a bird walk on the Greenway. Meet at the Macon County Public Library parking area at 9:00 am.

BUILDING A RECOVERY COMMUNITY

APRIL 6th at 6 pm in the Drake Education Center at 210 Phillips Street

Donald McDonald will be the main speaker.
For more information, contact Kay 706-970-9987 or Perry 828-200-3000




2016 FIRE SIZE PRESENTATION

The United States Forest Service will be making a presentation will cover the organization of suppression resources, cooperative efforts, suppression repair activities and future Forest Service restoration activities at Tartan Hall on April 6th.

More information is on the blog at http://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/2017/03/2016-fire-size-presentation-scheduled.html


SYRINGE EXCHANGE PROGRAM

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





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 April 1, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety