Daily Weather Briefing for Thursday, May 25, 2017

LOCAL OUTLOOK

An upper-level low-pressure system will cross the region today, with showers persisting over parts of the area as a result. Following the departure of this system, drier air will return tonight and linger into early Saturday. Moisture and unstable conditions will then build over the Southeast over the weekend, ahead of a slow moving cold front.

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.


Weather Almanac for May 25th (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 91°F in Franklin in 1953
Lowest Temperature 34°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1951
Greatest Rainfall 3.39 inches in Highlands in 1948



THREE DAY OUTLOOK




TODAY Severe thunderstorms are possible in the afternoon

Mostly cloudy with highs near the mid-60s and winds 5 to 15 mph from the west. Wind gusts are expected to be in the 20 to 25 mph range, with gusts peaking between noon and 6 pm. 40% chance of showers, mainly between 10 am and 8 pm.

TONIGHT

Partly cloudy with lows near 50 and winds 5 to 10 mph out of the west.



FRIDAY

Sunny with highs near 80 and winds out of the northwest.

FRIDAY NIGHT

Partly cloudy with lows near the mid-50s. Winds out of the southeast, calming before midnight.



SATURDAY

Partly sunny with highs in the mid-80s. 20% chance of rain, mainly after 3 pm.

SATURDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows in the lower 60s.


HAZARDS

No hazardous weather expected.

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, except for groups or events that receive funding from the TDA, TDC and EDC, where full rates apply.



Thursday, May 25– FRANKLIN BIRD CLUB - Jim and Ellen Shelton will lead a bird walk in the Stecoah area.

This will be one of our longer birding ventures. The drive to Stecoah is about an hour long. Birders may want to bring lunch or snacks–and of course, water. The planned return to Franklin is about 2:00 pm.

Meet at Bi-Lo parking area at 8:00 am to carpool. Sponsored by the Franklin Bird Club. Sign up at 828-524-5234.



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 impacting 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.



Astronomy (not updated due to time constraints)

Twilight Begins: 5:54 am
Sunrise: 6:23 am
Sunset 8:38 pm
Twilight Ends: 9:07 pm




Moon Phase: New Moon at 3:44 pm. (three new moons from now, the moon will pass directly between the sun and the earth, and we'll have a total solar eclipse.
Moonrise 6:29 a.m.
Moonset 8:34 p.m.




Evening Events and Planets

Chart shows sky at 10:30 pm tonight




Morning Events and Planets

Chart shows sky at 4 am tomorrow morning




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 4:55 am on May 25, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

Data and information sources: Sources (except where otherwise credited): heavens-above.com, Ian Webster's Github, National Centers for Environmental Prediction, The National Weather Service, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, 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. 

Read More

Daily Weather Briefing for Wednesday, May 24, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

The Macon County Board of Education met last night at Nantahala School. Video of that meeting is on the blog. [LINK]

LOCAL OUTLOOK

An area of low pressure to our west will pull a warm front northward through the area today. Unstable conditions south of the front will lead to showers and thunderstorms producing heavy rain. A few more showers may occur Thursday before drier and warmer conditions return to end the work week.


Weather Almanac for May 24th (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 90°F in Franklin in 1953
Lowest Temperature 31°F in Highlands in 1931
Greatest Rainfall 2.20 inches in Franklin in 1880
Greatest Snowfall There has been no measurable snowfall recorded in Macon County on this date since 1872, when weather record-keeping started.


THREE DAY OUTLOOK




TODAY Severe thunderstorms are possible in the afternoon

Patchy fog before noon. Mostly cloudy with highs in the mid to upper-60s. Light winds from the southeast shifting to 5 to 10 mph out of the south in the afternoon. Near 100% chance of rain with rainfall amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch expected. Severe thunderstorms are possible, mainly between noon and 6 pm.

TONIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows near 50 and winds out of the west calming before midnight. 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before midnight. Rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch expected.



THURSDAY

Partly sunny with highs near the mid-60s. Light winds out of the northwest are expected to rise to 5 to 10 mph out of the west by mid-morning. Wind gusts could be in the 20 mph range. 40% chance of showers.

THURSDAY NIGHT

Partly cloudy with lows near 50. A slight chance of rain before midnight.



FRIDAY

Sunny with highs near 80.

FRIDAY NIGHT

Partly cloudy with lows in the mid to upper-50s.


HAZARDS

Thunderstorms are in the forecast today, some of them, mainly in the afternoon or early evening, could be severe. Please keep an eye on the skies. Cloud-to-ground lightning, damaging winds, and hail will be the primary threats with these storms. Flooding could develop on small creeks and streams, in poorly drained areas, or in areas that see multiple rounds of heavy rainfall that will accompany any thunderstorms.

Most of the flooding rains and severe weather will occur to the south and east of Macon County. There is a bit of uncertainty about where these storms will form, and we're within the area where computer models say storms will form.


NWS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK

..TODAY...Severe weather with flash flooding possible. As a warm front lifts northward, unstable subtropical air will push into the area, leading to another round of thunderstorms. Strong winds in the upper atmosphere may allow a few of these storms to become severe, producing damaging winds and quarter-size hail. Intense rainfall may cause localized flash flooding, where soils remain saturated from rainfall earlier in the week.

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, except for groups or events that receive funding from the TDA, TDC and EDC, where full rates apply.



Wednesday, May 24th, 7:00 p.m. in the Macon County Public Library

Musical performance “Livin’ the Dream”

WCU Roadworks is an outreach program sponsored by the College of Fine and Performing Arts that presents free theatrical, music, film and visual arts events to organizations and communities throughout the region. The School of Music was chosen to present the program this year, utilizing the performing ensemble The Catamount Singers and Electric Soul. This group consists of four of the best singers from the School of Music.

Together, they have prepared a show entitled: “Livin’ the Dream.” The show consists of energetic modern pop tunes, Jazz standards, and classic rock and funk, all complete with impressive choreography. It will feature each of the singers, along with brief narrations about the School of Music and the arts at WCU.


Thursday, May 25– FRANKLIN BIRD CLUB - Jim and Ellen Shelton will lead a bird walk in the Stecoah area.

This will be one of our longer birding ventures. The drive to Stecoah is about an hour long. Birders may want to bring lunch or snacks–and of course, water. The planned return to Franklin is about 2:00 pm.

Meet at Bi-Lo parking area at 8:00 am to carpool. Sponsored by the Franklin Bird Club. Sign up at 828-524-5234.



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 impacting 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.



Astronomy (not updated due to time constraints)

Twilight Begins: 5:55 am
Sunrise: 6:24 am
Sunset 8:37 pm
Twilight Ends: 9:06 pm




Moon Phase: Waning Crescent with 7% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
Moonrise 5:00 a.m.
Moonset 6:13 p.m.




Evening Events and Planets

Chart shows sky at 10:30 pm tonight




Morning Events and Planets

Chart shows sky at 4 am tomorrow morning




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 4:58 am on May 24, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

Data and information sources: Sources (except where otherwise credited): heavens-above.com, Ian Webster's Github, National Centers for Environmental Prediction, The National Weather Service, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, 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. 

Read More

Macon County Board of Education May 2017 Regular Meeting Updated with Video of Meeting

The Macon County Board of Education will be meeting tonight at Nantahala School. A copy of the Mini Agenda that is shared with the news media has been embedded here for public information and to promote transparency. If a good enough internet connection can be established, a live video player will be posted. If that is not possible, a recorded version of the meeting will be published in the article in the next day or so.


6:06 pm A live blog is being posted below the Mini Agenda in reverse chronological order.





MEDIA ROLL CALL
(media outlets with reporters/photographers present)

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

ELECTED OFFICIALS
(other than those serving on the board)

Gary Shields (County Commissioner and one of two liaisons to the board)

May 2017 School Board Mini Agenda by Bobby Coggins on Scribd

LIVE BLOG

3:03 am The video has been added.

7.42 pm They've changed the June meeting to the 27th of June. Tuesday at 6 pm.

7.40 pm They're wrapping the meeting up and will be adjourning in a few minutes. Shutting down. I will try to have a video online in the next couple of days.

7.21 pm They're on Section IX, Business and Finance. Angie Cook is presenting this information and budget amendments. 

7.10 pm They're discussing Building and Grounds, Section VIII of the agenda.
they've allowed Highlands Recreation to use school buses and for the Chamber of Chamber to use buses for the Fourth of July and a BBQ Festival. Tim Burrell is providing an update on the SIPS Phone Systems.

6:52 pm They're now on Section VII - Curriculum and Instruction.

6.47 pm They're now discussing policy. (These items are in section VI of the agenda above.

6.46 pm The board has approved the personnel report 5-0.

6.45 pm The bioard has approved the fihing tournament 5-0.

6.42 pm Nantahala School is requesting to do a Fishing Tournament.

6.41 pm The board is reviewing overnight and out of district trip requests from the various schools. The items are approved by a unanimous vote.

6.39 pm The board has come back into open session.

6:36 pm They're coming back into the room.

6:08 pm The Board has gone into a closed session.

The reporters for The Franklin Press, Macon County News and Shopping Guide and WNCC-FM/WFSC-AM arrive.
6.07 pm The Support Person of the Year for Nantahala is Kim Bateman, Guidance Counselor.

The Teacher of the Year is Diane Raxter, 2nd and 3rd grade teacher.

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 1:01 Pm on May 23, 2017

Read More

Expedition 51 Spacewalk of May 23, 2017

Expedition 51 Commander Peggy Whitson and Flight Engineer Jack Fischer of NASA will venture outside the International Space Station for a 2.5-hour contingency spacewalk Tuesday, May 23. The spacewalk will begin around 8 a.m. EDT and a live video player is embedded below. The video player will be replaced by a recorded version after the walk is over.



Whitson and Fischer will replace a critical computer relay box that failed on Saturday, May 20. The relay box, known as a multiplexer-demultiplexer (MDM), is one of two units that regulate the operation of radiators, solar arrays and cooling loops. They also will route commands to other vital station systems and install a pair of antennas to enhance wireless communication.

Because each MDM is capable of performing the critical station functions, the crew on the station was never in danger and station operations have not been affected.

The spacewalk will be the 201st in support of space station assembly and maintenance, the sixth spacewalk conducted from the Quest airlock this year, the 10th for Whitson and the second for Fischer.

Follow @space_station on Twitter for updates. For more information about the International Space Station, visit www.nasa.gov/station.

Read More

Daily Weather Briefing for Tuesday, May 23, 2017

LOCAL OUTLOOK

A train of Gulf low-pressure systems will track through our area along a stalled front through tonight. As the front moves southeast, a broad area of showers and storms crosses our area Wednesday ahead of a closed upper low pressure. Expect temperatures to be below normal until the deep upper trough moves out before the start of the weekend. A drying trend will begin by the end of the work week and continue until the end of the weekend.


Weather Almanac for May 23rd (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 89°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1953
Lowest Temperature 33°F in Highlands in 2002
Greatest Rainfall 4.62 inches in Highlands in 1923
Greatest Snowfall There has been no measurable snowfall recorded in Macon County on this date since 1872, when weather record-keeping started.


THREE DAY OUTLOOK




TODAY

Patchy fog, mostly before noon. Cloudy and rainy with highs near 70. Calm winds early, then from the southwest in the afternoon. Rainfall amounts between three-quarters and one inch are possible.

TONIGHT

Patchy fog overnight. Mostly cloudy with lows in the 50s and variable light winds. 60% chance of rain, with higher amounts possible in locations that see thunderstorm activity.



WEDNESDAY

Patchy fog, rainy and cloudy with highs near 70. Calm winds early, then 5 to 10 mph from the southwest by mid-morning. Rainfall amounts between three-quarters and one inch are possible, more in locations that see thunderstorms.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows near 50 and winds out of the northwest. 60% chance of rain.



THURSDAY

Mostly cloudy with highs in the 60s. 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms.

THURSDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows near 50. 40% chance of showers, mainly before midnight.


HAZARDS

Thunderstorms are in the forecast today. Cloud-to-ground lightning and heavy rain will be the primary threats with these storms. Flooding could develop on small creeks and streams, in poorly drained areas, or in areas that see multiple rounds of heavy rainfall.

The National Weather Service is calling for periods of heavy rain today and tomorrow. Most of the flooding rains will occur to the south and east of Macon County.

Heavy rain with a potential for localized flooding is possible through tomorrow. Up to 2 to 4 inches is possible through Thursday afternoon. The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for tomorrow and it is posted below for your convenience.

NWS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK

..WEDNESDAY...Severe weather with flash flooding possible. As a warm front lifts northward, unstable subtropical air will push into the area, leading to another round of thunderstorms. Strong winds in the upper atmosphere may allow a few of these storms to become severe, producing damaging winds and quarter-size hail. Intense rainfall may cause localized flash flooding, where soils remain saturated from rainfall earlier in the week.

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, except for groups or events that receive funding from the TDA, TDC and EDC, where full rates apply.



Tuesday, May 23 at 4pm, Macon County Public Library

Facebook Privacy Settings

Level: Advanced Beginner.
Registration is required as space is limited. To register for this class, please visit the Reference Desk or call 524-3600.

Learn who can see your posts and how to control your privacy settings on Facebook. This class is for people who already have a Facebook account and want to have a better understanding of their privacy options. Participants will learn, 1. where to find their overall privacy settings and how to adjust them, 2. where to find the privacy settings for individual posts and how to adjust them. We will discuss what happens when you post things publicly, versus just for your friends, versus on other people's timelines. You will also learn how to deactivate your account (in case you ever want to take a break from Facebook), how to reactivate it, and how to close your account permanently. Participants will also learn where to find additional resources on Facebook privacy topics so that they can continue to be informed about their privacy choices in the ever-changing landscape of social media.

Tuesday, May 23 at 6 pm at Nantahala School - BOARD OF EDUCATION

The Macon County Board of Education will be meeting at Nantahala School at 213 Winding Stairs Rd in Topton, NC for this month's meeting instead of at the Central Offices in Franklin.


Wednesday, May 24th, 7:00 p.m. in the Macon County Public Library

Musical performance “Livin’ the Dream”

WCU Roadworks is an outreach program sponsored by the College of Fine and Performing Arts that presents free theatrical, music, film and visual arts events to organizations and communities throughout the region. The School of Music was chosen to present the program this year, utilizing the performing ensemble The Catamount Singers and Electric Soul. This group consists of four of the best singers from the School of Music.
Together, they have prepared a show entitled: “Livin’ the Dream.” The show consists of energetic modern pop tunes, Jazz standards, and classic rock and funk, all complete with impressive choreography. It will feature each of the singers, along with brief narrations about the School of Music and the arts at WCU.


Thursday, May 25– FRANKLIN BIRD CLUB - Jim and Ellen Shelton will lead a bird walk in the Stecoah area.

This will be one of our longer birding ventures. The drive to Stecoah is about an hour long. Birders may want to bring lunch or snacks–and of course, water. The planned return to Franklin is about 2:00 pm.

Meet at Bi-Lo parking area at 8:00 am to carpool. Sponsored by the Franklin Bird Club. Sign up at 828-524-5234.



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 impacting 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.



Astronomy

Twilight Begins: 5:55 am
Sunrise: 6:24 am
Sunset 8:37 pm
Twilight Ends: 9:06 pm




Moon Phase: Waning Crescent with 7% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
Moonrise 5:00 a.m.
Moonset 6:13 p.m.




Evening Events and Planets

Chart shows sky at 10:30 pm tonight




Morning Events and Planets

Chart shows sky at 4 am tomorrow morning




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 4:28 am on May 23, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

Data and information sources: Sources (except where otherwise credited): heavens-above.com, Ian Webster's Github, National Centers for Environmental Prediction, The National Weather Service, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, 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. 

Read More

Daily Weather Briefing for Monday, May 22, 2017

LOCAL OUTLOOK

There will be an increased chance of showers and thunderstorms through Thursday afternoon. Low pressure will form today along a stalled front over the northern Gulf coast and track northeast across our region tonight. A deep upper trough forms over the Mississippi Valley Tuesday night and Wednesday with the axis crossing the southern Appalachians early Thursday. This results in cooler than normal temperatures until an upper ridge builds over our area for the weekend bringing a return to Spring temperatures.

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.


Weather Almanac for May 22nd (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 91°F in Highlands in 1941
Lowest Temperature 28°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1954
Greatest Rainfall 4.00 inches in Highlands in 1916
Greatest Snowfall There has been no measurable snowfall recorded in Macon County on this date since 1872 when weather record-keeping started.


THREE DAY OUTLOOK




TODAY

Patchy fog this morning. Mostly cloudy with highs in the 70s and light winds out of the northwest. 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms with rainfall amounts not expected to exceed a tenth of an inch, except where thunderstorms occur.

TONIGHT

Patchy fog overnight. Cloudy with lows dipping into the mid to upper-50s for most of us. Calm winds. 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms with rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch expected.



TUESDAY

Cloudy with highs in the low to mid-70s and variable light winds. 70% chance of rain with rainfall amounts between a quarter and a half an inch expected.

TUESDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows in the 50s and winds out of the west-northwest calming before midnight. 50% chance of rain.



WEDNESDAY

Mostly cloudy with highs near 70. 70% chance of showers and thunderstorms.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows near 50. 40% chance of rain.


HAZARDS

No hazardous weather is expected today. The National Weather Service is calling for periods of heavy rain today and tomorrow.

Heavy rain with a potential for localized flooding is possible tomorrow. Up to 2 to 4 inches is possible through Thursday afternoon. The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for today and tomorrow and it is posted below for your convenience.

NWS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK

..TODAY...Heavy rain possible. A cold front moving slowly through the region may produce very heavy rainfall in any thunderstorms that develop.

..TUESDAY...Heavy rain with flooding possible. Low pressure returning from the southwest may produce yet another round of heavy rainfall. Rainfall totals will likely reach 2 to 4 inches in many places, with locally higher amounts possible.

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, except for groups or events that receive funding from the TDA, TDC and EDC, where full rates apply.



Tuesday, May 23 at 4pm, Macon County Public Library

Facebook Privacy Settings

Level: Advanced Beginner.
Registration is required as space is limited. To register for this class, please visit the Reference Desk or call 524-3600.

Learn who can see your posts and how to control your privacy settings on Facebook. This class is for people who already have a Facebook account and want to have a better understanding of their privacy options. Participants will learn, 1. where to find their overall privacy settings and how to adjust them, 2. where to find the privacy settings for individual posts and how to adjust them. We will discuss what happens when you post things publicly, versus just for your friends, versus on other people's timelines. You will also learn how to deactivate your account (in case you ever want to take a break from Facebook), how to reactivate it, and how to close your account permanently. Participants will also learn where to find additional resources on Facebook privacy topics so that they can continue to be informed about their privacy choices in the ever-changing
landscape of social media.

Tuesday, May 23 at 6 pm at Nantahala School - BOARD OF EDUCATION

The Macon County Board of Education will be meeting at Nantahala School at 213 Winding Stairs Rd in Topton, NC for this month's meeting instead of at the Central Offices in Franklin.


Wednesday, May 24th, 7:00 p.m. in the Macon County Public Library

Musical performance “Livin’ the Dream”

WCU Roadworks is an outreach program sponsored by the College of Fine and Performing Arts that presents free theatrical, music, film and visual arts events to organizations and communities throughout the region. The School of Music was chosen to present the program this year, utilizing the performing ensemble The Catamount Singers and Electric Soul. This group consists of four of the best singers from the School of Music.
Together, they have prepared a show entitled: “Livin’ the Dream.” The show consists of energetic modern pop tunes, Jazz standards, and classic rock and funk, all complete with impressive choreography. It will feature each of the singers, along with brief narrations about the School of Music and the arts at WCU.


Thursday, May 25– FRANKLIN BIRD CLUB - Jim and Ellen Shelton will lead a bird walk in the Stecoah area.

This will be one of our longer birding ventures. The drive to Stecoah is about an hour long. Birders may want to bring lunch or snacks–and of course, water. The planned return to Franklin is about 2:00 pm.

Meet at Bi-Lo parking area at 8:00 am to carpool. Sponsored by the Franklin Bird Club. Sign up at 828-524-5234.


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 impacting 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.



Astronomy

Twilight Begins: 5:56 am
Sunrise: 6:25 am
Sunset 8:36 pm
Twilight Ends: 9:05 pm




Moon Phase: Waning Crescent with 14% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
Moonrise 4:21 a.m.
Moonset 5:04 p.m.




Evening Events and Planets

Chart shows sky at 10:30 pm tonight




Morning Events and Planets

Chart shows sky at 4 am tomorrow morning




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 4:50 am on May 22, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

Data and information sources: Sources (except where otherwise credited): heavens-above.com, Ian Webster's Github, National Centers for Environmental Prediction, The National Weather Service, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, 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. 

Read More

Daily Weather Briefing for Sunday, May 21, 2017

LOCAL OUTLOOK

Widespread showers and a few thunderstorms are expected today through at least Monday as a large frontal system passes through the area. This frontal passage will bring cooler temperatures as well with Tuesday through Thursday highs 5 to 10 degrees below normal. A deep upper trough approaching in midweek will result in another area of heavier showers and storms Wednesday and Wednesday night. Expect dry high pressure and milder temperatures next weekend.



Weather Almanac for May 21st (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 90°F in Franklin in 1975
Lowest Temperature 30°F in Highlands in 1993
Greatest Rainfall 4.03 inches in Highlands in 1901
Greatest Snowfall There has been no measurable snowfall recorded in Macon County on this date since 1872 when weather record-keeping started.


THREE DAY OUTLOOK




TODAY

Cloudy with showers and thunderstorms, some of them are expected to produce heavy rainfall. Patchy fog early. Highs in the 70s with winds out of the south. Near 100% chance of rain with rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches are possible.

TONIGHT

Cloudy with showers and thunderstorms. Patchy fog overnight. Lows near 60. 70% chance of rain with rainfall amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch expected.



MONDAY

Mostly cloudy with highs in the mid to upper-70s. Calm winds early then winds from the northwest in the afternoon. 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms with rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch expected.

MONDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows in the 50s and calm winds.



TUESDAY

Mostly cloudy with highs in the 70s. 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms.

TUESDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows in the 50s and a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms.


HAZARDS

Heavy rain with a potential for localized flooding is possible today through Tuesday. Up to 2 to 4 inches is possible. The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for today and tomorrow and it is posted below for your convenience.

NWS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK

..TODAY...Heavy rain with flooding possible. Additional rounds of heavy rainfall will develop across the area today and tonight. Localized flooding will be possible in areas receiving repeated heavy rainfall.

..MONDAY...Heavy rain possible. A cold front moving slowly through the region could contribute additional rounds of heavy rainfall.

..TUESDAY...Heavy rain possible. Low pressure returning from the southwest may produce yet another round of heavy rainfall on Tuesday. 72-hour totals could reach 2 to 4 inches in some areas - especially in southwest sections.

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, except for groups or events that receive funding from the TDA, TDC and EDC, where full rates apply.



Tuesday, May 23 at 4pm, Macon County Public Library

Facebook Privacy Settings

Level: Advanced Beginner.
Registration is required as space is limited. To register for this class, please visit the Reference Desk or call 524-3600.

Learn who can see your posts and how to control your privacy settings on Facebook. This class is for people who already have a Facebook account and want to have a better understanding of their privacy options. Participants will learn, 1. where to find their overall privacy settings and how to adjust them, 2. where to find the privacy settings for individual posts and how to adjust them. We will discuss what happens when you post things publicly, versus just for your friends, versus on other people's timelines. You will also learn how to deactivate your account (in case you ever want to take a break from Facebook), how to reactivate it, and how to close your account permanently. Participants will also learn where to find additional resources on Facebook privacy topics so that they can continue to be informed about their privacy choices in the ever-changing
landscape of social media.

6 pm BOARD OF EDUCATION

The Macon County Board of Education will be meeting at Nantahala School at 213 Winding Stairs Rd in Topton, NC for this month's meeting instead of at the Central Offices in Franklin.


Wednesday, May 24th, 7:00 p.m. in the Macon County Public Library

Musical performance “Livin’ the Dream”

WCU Roadworks is an outreach program sponsored by the College of Fine and Performing Arts that presents free theatrical, music, film and visual arts events to organizations and communities throughout the region. The School of Music was chosen to present the program this year, utilizing the performing ensemble The Catamount Singers and Electric Soul. This group consists of four of the best singers from the School of Music.
Together, they have prepared a show entitled: “Livin’ the Dream.” The show consists of energetic modern pop tunes, Jazz standards, and classic rock and funk, all complete with impressive choreography. It will feature each of the singers, along with brief narrations about the School of Music and the arts at WCU.


Thursday, May 25– FRANKLIN BIRD CLUB - Jim and Ellen Shelton will lead a bird walk in the Stecoah area.

This will be one of our longer birding ventures. The drive to Stecoah is about an hour long. Birders may want to bring lunch or snacks–and of course, water. The planned return to Franklin is about 2:00 pm.

Meet at Bi-Lo parking area at 8:00 am to carpool. Sponsored by the Franklin Bird Club. Sign up at 828-524-5234.


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 impacting 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.



Astronomy

Twilight Begins: 5:57 am
Sunrise: 6:25 am
Sunset 8:35 pm
Twilight Ends: 9:04 pm




Moon Phase: Waning Crescent with 25% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
Moonrise 3:45 a.m.
Moonset 3:58 p.m.


Evening Events and Planets

Chart shows sky at 10:30 pm tonight




Morning Events and Planets

Chart shows sky at 4 am tomorrow morning




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 3:35 am on May 21, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

Data and information sources: Sources (except where otherwise credited): heavens-above.com, Ian Webster's Github, National Centers for Environmental Prediction, The National Weather Service, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, 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. 

Read More

Daily Weather Briefing for Friday, May 19, 2017

LOCAL OUTLOOK

The summertime weather pattern initiated by the Bermuda High will continue through Saturday. A front will move in from the west on Sunday and Sunday night, bringing an excellent chance of rain. A cold front should move east across the region on Monday. Unsettled weather will become the rule for next week as several disturbances move through.


LOCAL NEWS

The Macon County Planning Board held their monthly meeting last night. The video is on the blog. [LINK]



Weather Almanac for May 19th (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 91°F in Franklin in 1962
Lowest Temperature 29°F in Highlands in 1894
Greatest Rainfall 2.81 inches in Highlands in 1983
Greatest Snowfall There has been no measurable snowfall recorded in Macon County on this date since 1872 when weather record-keeping started.


THREE DAY OUTLOOK




TODAY

Patchy fog in the morning. Partly sunny with highs in the 80s. Calm winds in the morning then winds will be out of the south in the afternoon. 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms.

TONIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows near 60 and calm winds. Rain chances should end before midnight.



SATURDAY

Mostly sunny with highs in the 80s. Calm winds in the morning, the winds from the south in the afternoon. 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly starting in the late afternoon.

SATURDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows near 60 and light winds out of the southeast. 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms.



SUNDAY

Cloudy with highs in the mid to upper-70s.60% chance of showers and thunderstorms.

SUNDAY NIGHT

Cloudy with lows near 60. 80% chance of showers.


HAZARDS

Standard pop-up showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop today, with chances diminishing after dark.

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, except for groups or events that receive funding from the TDA, TDC and EDC, where full rates apply.


Tuesday, May 23 at 4pm, Macon County Public Library

Facebook Privacy Settings

Level: Advanced Beginner.
Registration is required as space is limited. To register for this class, please visit the Reference Desk or call 524-3600.

Learn who can see your posts and how to control your privacy settings on Facebook. This class is for people who already have a Facebook account and want to have a better understanding of their privacy options. Participants will learn, 1. where to find their overall privacy settings and how to adjust them, 2. where to find the privacy settings for individual posts and how to adjust them. We will discuss what happens when you post things publicly, versus just for your friends, versus on other people's timelines. You will also learn how to deactivate your account (in case you ever want to take a break from Facebook), how to reactivate it, and how to close your account permanently. Participants will also learn where to find additional resources on Facebook privacy topics so that they can continue to be informed about their privacy choices in the ever-changing landscape of social media.

Wednesday, May 24th, 7:00 p.m. in the Macon County Public Library

Musical performance “Livin’ the Dream”

WCU Roadworks is an outreach program sponsored by the College of Fine and Performing Arts that presents free theatrical, music, film and visual arts events to organizations and communities throughout the region. The School of Music was chosen to present the program this year, utilizing the performing ensemble The Catamount Singers and Electric Soul. This group consists of four of the best singers from the School of Music.

Together, they have prepared a show entitled: “Livin’ the Dream.” The show consists of energetic modern pop tunes, Jazz standards, and classic rock and funk, all complete with impressive choreography. It will feature each of the singers, along with brief narrations about the School of Music and the arts at WCU.



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 impacting 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.



Astronomy

Twilight Begins: 5:58 am
Sunrise: 6:27 am
Sunset 8:34 pm
Twilight Ends: 9:02 pm




Moon Phase: Waning Crescent with 43% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
Moonrise 2:32 a.m.
Moonset 1:54 p.m.




Evening Events and Planets

Chart shows sky at 10:30 pm tonight




Morning Events and Planets

Chart shows sky at 4 am tomorrow morning




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 4:40 am on May 19, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

Data and information sources: Sources (except where otherwise credited): heavens-above.com, Ian Webster's Github, National Centers for Environmental Prediction, The National Weather Service, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, 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. 

Read More