U.S. Forest Service Announces Ginseng Permit Lottery for 2018

PRESS RELEASE

National Forests in North Carolina

160A Zillicoa St.

Asheville, N.C. 28801 

Ginseng, aka Panax quinquefolius Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

Asheville, NC, May 29, 2018 - The Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests announced today that this year's ginseng harvest permits will be determined again by lottery with an application period from June 4 to July 20.

A permit is required to collect wild ginseng in the two national forests during the designated harvest season. Those seeking a permit must call or visit a ranger district office and submit their name and address for the lottery between June 4 and July 20. Requests by email will not be accepted. Written notification will be mailed to successful applicants selected by lottery before August 17. District offices will start issuing permits to selected applicants August 27 with an effective date of September 1.

Wild ginseng plants on the national forest are sustainably managed by the U.S.  Forest Service to meet the needs of present and future generations. In 2013, due to concern over reductions in wild ginseng numbers, the Forest Service implemented changes to wild ginseng harvests on the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests to conserve wild ginseng populations. These policies remain in place including: 

• The number of permits issued is limited to 136 annual permits, a 75 percent reduction from historical permit issuances.
• Permits are issued through a lottery system (selected randomly) by each district office. Individuals may submit their names at more than one district office.
• A permit allows a person to harvest 1-3 wet pounds (at $40 per pound) of wild ginseng in the ranger district where the permit is issued.
• The permitted harvest season is 2 weeks. Harvesting will be allowed September 1 through September 15, 2018.
• Each District Ranger may further limit ginseng harvests to certain areas of the national forest to allow the plants to regenerate or to protect designated wilderness and other natural areas. Harvest area descriptions and maps will be provided to permit recipients.
• Harvest is prohibited in designated wilderness and other natural areas set aside for research purposes, such as Walker Cove and Black Mountain.

In addition to reducing the legal harvest of wild ginseng, the Forest Service has increased law enforcement efforts to reduce poaching. Removing a wild ginseng plant or its parts from national forests without a permit or outside of the legal harvest season is considered theft of public property. Penalties for plant poaching may include a fine up to $5,000 or 6-month sentence in federal prison, or both.

Ginseng root has been favored as a tonic primarily in East Asia for the past two-and-a-half centuries. In North Carolina, ginseng is more common in the mountains, very infrequent in the piedmont, and very rare in the coastal plain.

Ranger District contact information may be found at the National Forests in North Carolina website, www.fs.usda.gov/main/nfsnc/about-forest/districts.  

For more information about harvesting ginseng in Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests, see https://go.usa.gov/xQdwt.

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

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Published at 2:02 pm on May 29, 2018

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Daily Weather Briefing for Tuesday, May 29, 2018

LOCAL NEWS

Local veterans organizations observed Memorial Day at Veterans Memorial Park. Video and photos are on the blog. [LINK]



Here is a look at a radar loop of the rain that came through the region between 1:18 am to 4:24 am this morning.

LOCAL OUTLOOK

Deep tropical moisture will persist over the area through Wednesday as the remnants of Alberto move northward from Georgia to Kentucky and eventually to the Great Lakes. A moist airmass will persist into Friday before southerly flow shifts more to the west. Warm yet a little drier air will mix in from the west over the weekend.

WEATHER SPONSOR



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

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

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


Weather Almanac for May 29th (1872-2016)
Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 91°F in Highlands in 1941
Lowest Temperature 36°F in Highlands in 1894
Greatest Rainfall 2.21 inches in Nantahala in 1976

Record Weather Events for May (1872-2017)

Highest Temperature 92°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station on May 20, 1996
Lowest Temperature 23°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station on May 2, 1963
Greatest Rainfall 4.2 inches in Highlands on May 23, 1923
Greatest One-Day Snowfall 2.5 inches in Highlands on May 7, 1992

THREE DAY OUTLOOK

The images below represent the daily forecast at 8 am for today, tomorrow and the day after tomorrow. Click on any of them to enlarge.



----------------------------------
FRANKLIN AREA

TODAY

Showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 8am. Patchy fog before 10am. High near 77. Southeast wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

TONIGHT

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Patchy fog after 10pm. Low around 65. South southeast wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

WEDNESDAY

Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 9am, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 9am. Cloudy, with a high near 79. South wind 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

Showers and thunderstorms likely before 2am, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2am. Cloudy, with a low around 64. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

THURSDAY

Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 9am, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 9am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

THURSDAY NIGHT

A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

-----------------------------------------
OTTO AREA

TODAY

Showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 7am. Patchy fog before 10am. High near 76. Southeast wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

TONIGHT

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 8pm, then showers and thunderstorms between 8pm and 9pm, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 9pm. Patchy fog after 9pm. Low around 65. South southeast wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

WEDNESDAY

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 11am, then showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 11am. High near 78. South wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

Showers and thunderstorms likely. Cloudy, with a low around 65. South wind 3 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

THURSDAY

Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

THURSDAY NIGHT

A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

---------------------------------------------
HIGHLANDS AREA

TODAY

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Areas of fog before 11am. High near 70. Southeast wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

TONIGHT

Showers and thunderstorms. Patchy fog. Low around 60. South southeast wind 11 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

WEDNESDAY

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 10am, then showers and thunderstorms after 10am. High near 69. South wind 7 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

Showers and thunderstorms. Low around 61. South wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

THURSDAY

Showers and thunderstorms likely. Cloudy, with a high near 74. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

THURSDAY NIGHT

A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

--------------------------------------------
NANTAHALA AREA

TODAY

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm, mainly before 3pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 3pm. Patchy fog before 9am. High near 75. East wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

TONIGHT

Showers and thunderstorms. Patchy fog after midnight. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. East southeast wind around 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

TUESDAY

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before noon, then showers and thunderstorms after noon. High near 73. East southeast wind 9 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

TUESDAY NIGHT

Showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 62. South southeast wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

WEDNESDAY

Showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 5pm, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 5pm. High near 72. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

Showers and thunderstorms likely. Cloudy, with a low around 61. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

----------------------------------------


GOES-16 GeoColor - True Color daytime, multispectral IR

1:47 am to 3:42 am this morning


HAZARDS

A period of extended rain is expected through Thursday. Flooding may be possible.

The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook regarding the developing situation and it has been posted below for your convenience.

NWS Hazardous Weather Outlook

..TODAY...Heavy rain with flooding possible.
..WEDNESDAY...Heavy rain with flooding possible.
..THURSDAY...Heavy rain with flooding possible.
..FRIDAY...No hazardous weather is expected at this time.
..SATURDAY...No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

Macon Media maintains a Severe Weather Preparedness Page at http://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/p/breaking-news-hub.html for those who are interested.

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



GOES 16 - Band 15 - 12.3 µm - Dirty Longwave Window - IR (Precipitation)

3:42 am this morning

TROPICAL OUTLOOK

Subtropical Storm ALBERTO continues to approach the US Gulf Coast. The storm is expected to make landfall today (Memorial Day). The main impact to our region will be rain. Flooding is possible. The Tropical Weather Outlook is posted below for your convenience.



Subtropical Storm Alberto Discussion Number 12
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL012018
1000 PM CDT Sun May 27 2018

The 0130 UTC center penetration by the Air Force Hurricane Hunters indicated that the central pressure had held at 991 mb, and no stronger winds were found after the earlier pass through the center. Therefore the intensity is held at 55 kt for this advisory. The system is still not well organized with some elongation of the center noted. Deep convection near the center remains minimal, so the cyclone is still subtropical, and it appears that the window of opportunity for Alberto to become tropical has essentially closed. Little change in strength is anticipated before landfall, which is consistent with the latest intensity model consensus and the Florida State University Superensemble and HCCA predictions.

The forward motion has slowed and turned toward the left and is now estimated to be 315/08 kt. Alberto is moving on the northeastern side of a broad deep-layer cyclonic circulation. Early this week, a ridge is forecast to build to the east of the storm, and a trough will approach Alberto from the northwest. This pattern should induce a northward turn over the next few days. Due to the recent more northwestward motion of the storm, the first 12-24 hours of the official forecast have been shifted a little to the west of the previous one. Overall, however the latest NHC forecast has not been changed much and is close to the dynamical model consensus.

KEY MESSAGES:

1. The risk of flooding and flash flooding over western Cuba, the Florida Keys, and south Florida will continue through Monday. Heavy rain and the risk of flooding will begin across the Florida Panhandle tonight, then spread northward from the Florida Panhandle into much of Alabama, western Georgia, and Tennessee through Tuesday.

2. Hazardous storm surge is possible along portions of the eastern Gulf Coast overnight and tomorrow, including areas well east of the track of Alberto's center. Residents in the storm surge watch area are encouraged to follow guidance given by their local government officials.

3. Tropical storm conditions are likely within portions of the tropical storm warning area overnight and tomorrow.

4. Dangerous surf and rip current conditions will continue to affect portions of the eastern and northern Gulf Coast through Tuesday.

FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS

INIT 28/0300Z 28.5N 85.8W 55 KT 65 MPH
12H 28/1200Z 29.6N 86.2W 55 KT 65 MPH
24H 29/0000Z 31.2N 86.6W 40 KT 45 MPH...INLAND
36H 29/1200Z 33.3N 87.0W 25 KT 30 MPH...POST-TROP/REMNT LOW
48H 30/0000Z 35.8N 87.4W 20 KT 25 MPH...POST-TROP/REMNT LOW
72H 31/0000Z 41.5N 87.0W 20 KT 25 MPH...POST-TROP/REMNT LOW
96H 01/0000Z 46.5N 82.5W 15 KT 15 MPH...POST-TROP/REMNT LOW
120H 02/0000Z...DISSIPATED

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. If you want text published, please include a paragraph with your photo, flyer or graphics. Please include date(s) and time(s).
There is no charge for civic, educational or nonprofit groups, except for groups or events that receive funding from the TDA, TDC, and EDC, where full rates apply.

Uptown Gallery classes
(These are on-going classes – repeat weekly)

Free classes and open studio times are being offered at The Uptown Gallery in Franklin. Join others at a painting open studio session every Tuesday from 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm or on Thursday from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm.
Bring your own materials and join an on-going drawing course led by gallery artists on Fridays, from 11am – 2 pm. For information on days open, hours and additional art classes and workshops, contact the gallery on 30 East Main Street at (828) 349 – 4607.




National Alliance on Mental Illness
Appalachian South

Meets each Thursday at 7pm
The First Methodist Church Outreach Center
at the intersection of Harrison Ave. and West Main Street
(directly across from Lazy Hiker Brewery)

Come join our weekly support group for anyone suffering from mental illness and their family or friends. This includes Depression, Bipolar,8chizophrenia, PTSD, Substance Abuse, Etc.

Here you will find:
— others living with mental health challenges YOU ARE NOT ALONE
- learn coping skills and ?find hope in shared experience
- help learning how to break down stigma and guilt surrounding mental health
- how to live life with the expectation of a better a better future

Kay (706)970-9987 Denise (828)347-5000)

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.



Sun and Moon

Sun

Begin civil twilight 5:52 a.m.
Sunrise 6:21 a.m.
Sun transit 1:31 p.m.
Sunset 8:41 p.m.
End civil twilight 9:10 p.m.


Moon

Moonrise 7:52 p.m. last night
Moon transit 1:16 a.m.
Moonset 6:36 a.m.
Moonrise 8:49 p.m.


Phase of the Moon on May 29, 2018: Full Moon at 10:19 a.m. (local daylight time)

Sky Guides for this week


Sky and Telescope Magazine 
Astronomy Magazine


There will be three solar and two lunar eclipses in 2018. [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]

CROWDFUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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

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. Macon Media rewards early sponsors/underwriters with lifetime guaranteed low rates while newer sponsors/underwriters pay higher rates based on the date they first support Macon Media.

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 4:00 am on May 29, 2018

#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, National Hurricane Center, 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

The 2018 Observance of Memorial Day

Video and photos of the annual observance of Memorial Day are posted below.




Photos
[click on any image to enlarge]



CROWDFUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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

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. Macon Media rewards early sponsors/underwriters with lifetime guaranteed low rates while newer sponsors/underwriters pay higher rates based on the date they first support Macon Media.

Thank You to everyone who has donated time, funds and equipment. You are greatly appreciated. Find out more about becoming a patron at https://www.patreon.com/MaconMedia

Published at 2:15 am on May 29, 2018

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Flash Flooding Threat Continues, Thunderstorms and Heavy Rain Expected Overnight

The Flood Watch for our region has been extended to Thursday morning. Numerous rounds of showers and thunderstorms are forecast by the National Weather Service to cross the region as Subtropical Storm ALBERTO passes to our west over the next few days. A look at the weather overnight, a Hazardous Weather Outlook, and a copy of the 5th revision of the Flood Watch for the region, including Macon County, is posted below.

Overnight

Showers and thunderstorms. Patchy fog after 3am. Lows in the low-to-mid-60s. Winds out of the east-southeast around3 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Some locations may receive more if they are hit by thunderstorms or multiple rounds of rain. In general, the Highlands Plateau and the Otto area should see more rain than the rest of the county, in the 2 to 4-inch range overnight. Minor flooding of low-lying areas is possible.



GOES-16 GeoColor - True Color daytime
Images from 11:52 am to 3:47 pm today


Hazardous Weather Outlook

In addition to the flooding threat, thunderstorms embedded within any bands of heavy rain showers may also produce cloud-to-ground lightning strikes this evening and tonight. A small chance of isolated tornadoes will also develop from the south later tonight. Please see the Public Information Statement released by the National Weather Service. [LINK]


URGENT - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Flood Watch
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
250 PM EDT Mon May 28 2018

...ABUNDANT TROPICAL MOISTURE CONTINUING ACROSS THE WESTERN CAROLINAS AND NORTHEAST GEORGIA TONIGHT...

.The broad circulation around Alberto is pumping abundant tropical moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean across the southeast. Rapidly increasing rainfall rates from tropical showers and embedded thunderstorms will continue tonight and this heavy rainfall will likely persist across much of the area into Wednesday night. The resulting heavy rainfall will impact many locations that are already saturated by heavy rain that fell over the past two weeks. This will greatly heighten the risk of flash flooding and main stem river flooding throughout the western Carolinas and northeast Georgia, as well as landslides along the steeper slopes of the mountains and adjacent foothills.

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH NOW IN EFFECT THROUGH THURSDAY MORNING...

The Flash Flood Watch is now in effect for

* portions of northeast Georgia, western North Carolina, and upstate South Carolina.

* through Thursday morning

* Abundant tropical moisture arriving across the mountains and foothills will likely persist through at least mid week. Rainfall totals from the heavy tropical showers and embedded thunderstorms should reach 3 to 6 inches by Thursday, with many locations along the eastern and southern slopes of the southern Appalachians seeing 6 to 8 inches. Locally heavier rainfall will be possible in locations that see repeated rounds of thunderstorms, where rainfall rates could reach 1 to 2 inches per hour in the heaviest downpours. This heavy rain will fall on ground already saturated by rainfall over the past two weeks.

* Flash flooding of streams and creeks may develop very quickly under these circumstances. Landslides will be quite possible, especially in mountainous terrain known to be prone to landslides, and even along some steep slopes where landslides have not occurred for many years. Main stem river flooding will be quite likely as well, especially along rivers in the southern and central North Carolina mountains such as the French Broad River, the Tuckasegee River, and the Little
Tennessee River.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. Make plans now to avoid travel during the peak of the heavy rainfall. Also have plans on where to flee to higher ground if flash flooding affects your location.

Rainfall of more than five inches in similar storms has been associated with an increased risk of landslides and rockslides.
If you live on a mountainside or in a cove at the base of a mountain, especially near a stream, be ready to leave in advance of the storm or as quickly as possible should rising water, moving earth, or rocks threaten. Consider postponing travel on mountain roads during the period of heavy rainfall today through Wednesday.

You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.

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 SPONSOR



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

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

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

  Published at 4:20 pm on Memorial Day, Monday, May 28, 2018

Read More

Daily Weather Briefing for Memorial Day Monday, May 28, 2018

PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT

The National Weather Service has released some helpful information regarding the potential for landslides or debris flows in the coming days and some steps you may take to mitigate their impact on you. [LINK]
LOCAL OUTLOOK

Deep tropical moisture will persist over the area today through Wednesday as the remnants of Alberto move northward from Georgia to Kentucky and eventually to the Great Lakes. Westerly flow will develop across the region to permit some gradual downslope drying east of the mountains late week. More seasonal and drier air will mix in from the west over next weekend.

DAY SPONSOR

Carrion Tree Service is underwriting the daily weather briefing and public safety updates for today. they are a fully licensed and insured tree service, specializing in dangerous tree removal, view clearing, pruning, and crane services with a 24 Hour emergency response.

Their phone number is 371-4718. They are located at 120 Depot Street.

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

WEATHER SPONSOR



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

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

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

Flood Watch
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
1049 PM EDT Sun May 27 2018

...ABUNDANT TROPICAL MOISTURE WILL RAISE THE RISK OF FLASH FLOODING AND MOUNTAIN LANDSLIDES...

.Deep tropical moisture associated with a fetch of air off the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean will set up over the western Carolinas and northeast Georgia late tonight. This moisture will get further reinforced by the remnants of Alberto as it moves northward across the Deep South on Tuesday. The resulting heavy rain showers and embedded thunderstorms across the region will fall on ground already saturated by heavy rain over the past 7 to 10 days. This will greatly heighten the risk of flash flooding, main stem river flooding, and landslides.


...FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING...

The Flash Flood Watch continues for

* portions of northeast Georgia, western North Carolina, and upstate South Carolina.

* through Wednesday morning

* Abundant tropical moisture will arrive over the western Carolinas and northeast Georgia tonight and persist through the early part of the week. Rainfall totals around the region this week will likely reach or exceed 3 to 6 inches, with some locations along the eastern and southern slopes of the southern Appalachians seeing 6 to 8 inches. Locally heavier rainfall will be possible in locations that see repeated rounds of thunderstorms where rainfall rates could reach 1 to 2 inches per hour in the heaviest downpours. This heavy rain will fall on ground already saturated by rainfall over the past 7 to 10 days.

* Flash flooding of streams and creeks could develop very quickly under these circumstances. Landslides will be quite possible, especially in mountainous terrain known to be prone to landslides, and even along some steep slopes where landslides have not occurred for many years. Main stem river flooding will be quite likely as well, especially along rivers in the southern and central North Carolina mountains such as the French Broad River, the Tuckasegee River, and the Little Tennessee River.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. Make plans now to avoid travel during the peak of the heavy rainfall. Also have plans on where to flee to higher ground if flash flooding affects your location.

Rainfall of more than five inches in similar storms has been associated with an increased risk of landslides and rockslides.
If you live on a mountainside or in a cove at the base of a mountain, especially near a stream, be ready to leave in advance of the storm or as quickly as possible should rising water, moving earth, or rocks threaten. Consider postponing travel on mountain roads during the period of heavy rainfall.

You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.

Weather Almanac for May 28th (1872-2016)
Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 90°F in Franklin in 1967
Lowest Temperature 30°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1961
Greatest Rainfall 3.60 inches in Nantahala in 1973

Record Weather Events for May (1872-2017)

Highest Temperature 92°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station on May 20, 1996
Lowest Temperature 23°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station on May 2, 1963
Greatest Rainfall 4.2 inches in Highlands on May 23, 1923
Greatest One-Day Snowfall 2.5 inches in Highlands on May 7, 1992

THREE DAY OUTLOOK

The images below represent the daily forecast at 8 am for today, tomorrow and the day after tomorrow. Click on any of them to enlarge.



----------------------------------
FRANKLIN AREA

TODAY

Showers likely and thunderstorms likely after 2pm. Patchy fog before 10am. High near 80. Calm wind becoming east around 6 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

TONIGHT

Showers and thunderstorms likely. Patchy fog after midnight. Low around 64. East wind 3 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

TUESDAY

Showers and thunderstorms. High near 78. East southeast wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

TUESDAY NIGHT

Showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 65. South southeast wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

WEDNESDAY

Showers and thunderstorms. High near 77. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

Showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a low around 64. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

-----------------------------------------
OTTO AREA

TODAY

Showers likely before 3pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 3pm. Patchy fog before 10am. High near 80. East northeast wind 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

TONIGHT

Showers likely and thunderstorms. Patchy fog after 11pm. Low around 64. East southeast wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

TUESDAY

Showers and thunderstorms. High near 77. East southeast wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch possible.

TUESDAY NIGHT

Showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 65. South southeast wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

WEDNESDAY

Showers and thunderstorms. High near 76. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

Showers and thunderstorms likely before 11pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 11pm. Cloudy, with a low around 64. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

---------------------------------------------
HIGHLANDS AREA

TODAY

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 3pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely afterward. Patchy fog before 11am. High near 69. East wind around 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

TONIGHT

Showers and thunderstorms. Patchy fog after 9pm. Low around 60. East wind 11 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch possible.

TUESDAY

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 10am, then showers and thunderstorms after 10am. High near 69. Southeast wind 9 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

TUESDAY NIGHT

Showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 61. South southeast wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

WEDNESDAY

Showers and thunderstorms. High near 69. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

Showers and thunderstorms, mainly before midnight, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after midnight. Low around 60. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

--------------------------------------------
NANTAHALA AREA

TODAY

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm, mainly before 3pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 3pm. Patchy fog before 9am. High near 75. East wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

TONIGHT

Showers and thunderstorms. Patchy fog after midnight. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. East southeast wind around 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

TUESDAY

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before noon, then showers and thunderstorms after noon. High near 73. East southeast wind 9 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

TUESDAY NIGHT

Showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 62. South southeast wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

WEDNESDAY

Showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 5pm, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 5pm. High near 72. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

Showers and thunderstorms likely. Cloudy, with a low around 61. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

----------------------------------------


GOES-16 GeoColor - True Color daytime, multispectral IR
Ground-based RADAR Loop (GOES-16 images are currently unavailable)
10:47 pm last night to 3:17 am this morning


HAZARDS

A period of extended rain is expected through Thursday. Flooding may be possible. For more information about Subtropical Storm ALBERTO (currently in the Gulf of Mexico and about to make landfall as this outlook is being prepared) and the impacts our region may experience, please see the Tropical Outlook.

The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook regarding the developing situation and it has been posted below for your convenience.

NWS Hazardous Weather Outlook

..MONDAY...Heavy rain with flooding possible. See the Flash Flood Watch for more information.
..TUESDAY...Heavy rain with flooding possible.
..WEDNESDAY...Heavy rain with flooding possible.
..THURSDAY...Heavy rain with flooding possible.
..FRIDAY...No hazardous weather is expected at this time.
..SATURDAY...No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

Macon Media maintains a Severe Weather Preparedness Page at http://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/p/breaking-news-hub.html for those who are interested.

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



GOES 16 - Band 15 - 12.3 µm - Dirty Longwave Window - IR (Precipitation)
Ground-based RADAR Mosaic (GOES-16 images currently unavailable)
3:18 am this morning

TROPICAL OUTLOOK

Subtropical Storm ALBERTO continues to approach the US Gulf Coast. The storm is expected to make landfall today (Memorial Day). The main impact to our region will be rain. Flooding is possible. The Tropical Weather Outlook is posted below for your convenience.



Subtropical Storm Alberto Discussion Number 12
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL012018
1000 PM CDT Sun May 27 2018

The 0130 UTC center penetration by the Air Force Hurricane Hunters indicated that the central pressure had held at 991 mb, and no stronger winds were found after the earlier pass through the center. Therefore the intensity is held at 55 kt for this advisory. The system is still not well organized with some elongation of the center noted. Deep convection near the center remains minimal, so the cyclone is still subtropical, and it appears that the window of opportunity for Alberto to become tropical has essentially closed. Little change in strength is anticipated before landfall, which is consistent with the latest intensity model consensus and the Florida State University Superensemble and HCCA predictions.

The forward motion has slowed and turned toward the left and is now estimated to be 315/08 kt. Alberto is moving on the northeastern side of a broad deep-layer cyclonic circulation. Early this week, a ridge is forecast to build to the east of the storm, and a trough will approach Alberto from the northwest. This pattern should induce a northward turn over the next few days. Due to the recent more northwestward motion of the storm, the first 12-24 hours of the official forecast have been shifted a little to the west of the previous one. Overall, however the latest NHC forecast has not been changed much and is close to the dynamical model consensus.

KEY MESSAGES:

1. The risk of flooding and flash flooding over western Cuba, the Florida Keys, and south Florida will continue through Monday. Heavy rain and the risk of flooding will begin across the Florida Panhandle tonight, then spread northward from the Florida Panhandle into much of Alabama, western Georgia, and Tennessee through Tuesday.

2. Hazardous storm surge is possible along portions of the eastern Gulf Coast overnight and tomorrow, including areas well east of the track of Alberto's center. Residents in the storm surge watch area are encouraged to follow guidance given by their local government officials.

3. Tropical storm conditions are likely within portions of the tropical storm warning area overnight and tomorrow.

4. Dangerous surf and rip current conditions will continue to affect portions of the eastern and northern Gulf Coast through Tuesday.

FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS

INIT 28/0300Z 28.5N 85.8W 55 KT 65 MPH
12H 28/1200Z 29.6N 86.2W 55 KT 65 MPH
24H 29/0000Z 31.2N 86.6W 40 KT 45 MPH...INLAND
36H 29/1200Z 33.3N 87.0W 25 KT 30 MPH...POST-TROP/REMNT LOW
48H 30/0000Z 35.8N 87.4W 20 KT 25 MPH...POST-TROP/REMNT LOW
72H 31/0000Z 41.5N 87.0W 20 KT 25 MPH...POST-TROP/REMNT LOW
96H 01/0000Z 46.5N 82.5W 15 KT 15 MPH...POST-TROP/REMNT LOW
120H 02/0000Z...DISSIPATED

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. If you want text published, please include a paragraph with your photo, flyer or graphics. Please include date(s) and time(s).
There is no charge for civic, educational or nonprofit groups, except for groups or events that receive funding from the TDA, TDC, and EDC, where full rates apply.

Uptown Gallery classes
(These are on-going classes – repeat weekly)

Free classes and open studio times are being offered at The Uptown Gallery in Franklin. Join others at a painting open studio session every Tuesday from 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm or on Thursday from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm.
Bring your own materials and join an on-going drawing course led by gallery artists on Fridays, from 11am – 2 pm. For information on days open, hours and additional art classes and workshops, contact the gallery on 30 East Main Street at (828) 349 – 4607.




National Alliance on Mental Illness
Appalachian South

Meets each Thursday at 7pm
The First Methodist Church Outreach Center
at the intersection of Harrison Ave. and West Main Street
(directly across from Lazy Hiker Brewery)

Come join our weekly support group for anyone suffering from mental illness and their family or friends. This includes Depression, Bipolar,8chizophrenia, PTSD, Substance Abuse, Etc.

Here you will find:
— others living with mental health challenges YOU ARE NOT ALONE
- learn coping skills and ?find hope in shared experience
- help learning how to break down stigma and guilt surrounding mental health
- how to live life with the expectation of a better a better future

Kay (706)970-9987 Denise (828)347-5000)

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.



Sun and Moon

Sun

Begin civil twilight 5:53 a.m.
Sunrise 6:22 a.m.
Sun transit 1:31 p.m.
Sunset 8:39 p.m.
End civil twilight 9:09 p.m.


Moon

Moonrise 5:55 p.m. yesterday
Moon transit 11:42 p.m. last night
Moonset 5:23 a.m.
Moonrise 6:54 p.m.


Phase of the Moon on May 27, 2018: Waxing Gibbous with 96% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
Closest Primary Moon Phase: Full Moon on May 29, 2018 at 10:19 a.m. (local daylight time)

Sky Guides for this week


Sky and Telescope Magazine 
Astronomy Magazine


There will be three solar and two lunar eclipses in 2018. [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]

CROWDFUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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

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. Macon Media rewards early sponsors/underwriters with lifetime guaranteed low rates while newer sponsors/underwriters pay higher rates based on the date they first support Macon Media.

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 3:33 am on May 28, 2018

#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, National Hurricane Center, 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.

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