It's a busy weather weekend for Macon County, so this briefing is not as brief as usual.
Outlook
The wet pattern will continue today into tonight before a robust cold front finally moves through the region late tonight through Sunday morning. The early part of next week should be dominated by dry high pressure. A cold front may move through the region from the northwest on Wednesday, but moisture with this front remains highly uncertain. Better moisture could arrive toward next weekend.
THREE DAY GFS FORECAST
This animated image shows a forecast of precipitation, air pressure and thickness level (cold-air damming) for three days in six-hour increments.
Green, Yellow, and Red indicate rain. Orange and Purple Indicate Freezing Rain or other freezing precipitation. Blue indicates snow.
WEATHER SPONSOR
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Weather Hazards
Moderate to heavy rain will be possible ahead of a cold front tonight, resulting in a continued threat of minor flooding on the Little Tennessee and Cullasaja Rivers as well as some smaller streams.
In addition, expect very gusty southwest winds Saturday night ahead of the cold front, and then very gusty northwest winds after the frontal passage Sunday and Sunday night. Various Flood and Wind Warnings and Advisories will be in effect for Macon County for portions of the weekend in Macon County and copies of each are posted below for your convenience.
Heavy rainfall is expected through the weekend. As usual when it rains, there will be runoff on area roadways and ponding that could lead to hydroplaning for vehicles that are exceeding safe speeds. Please slow down and arrive alive and uninjured. Remember to keep your umbrella with you and use your headlights so other motorists can see you on the roads.
Flood Warning
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
1107 AM EST FRI FEB 22 2019
The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has extended
the
* Flood Warning for...
South central Macon County in western North Carolina...
* Until 1130 AM EST Saturday.
* At 1100 AM EST, Doppler radar indicated that light to moderate showers are continuing to train over the Little Tennessee River watershed across southern Macon County. Rainfall rates associated with these showers are generally less than 0.2 inches per hour. Heavy rainfall of 1-2 inches over the past 24 hours, with 48 hours totals exceeding 3-4 inches, is occurring on top of saturated soils due to a prolonged wet pattern. This is causing widespread excessive runoff and significant stream rises along the upper Little Tennessee River and associated tributaries. High streamflows are causing widespread flooding near Otto and flooding is expected to continue into early Saturday.
* The Little Tennessee River near Otto has not reached levels this high since at least 2010. Significant flooding is likely ongoing across adjacent low-lying areas including farmland, low-water crossings, boat-access areas, parks and trails, and may be threatening homes and businesses at lower elevations near the river. Please heed all guidance from local officials and obey all barricades.
* The following streamgauge has exceeded Minor Flood Stage:
Little Tennessee River near Otto.
Current Stage: 19.64 feet and rising steadily.
Forecast: The Little Tennessee River will continue to rise to at near 20.0 feet through early Friday afternoon. A rise to Moderate Flood Stage is possible into Friday afternoon which may mean signficant inundation of low-lying areas, several road closures, and structural flooding is possible.
Action/Advisory Stage: 11.0 feet.
Minor Flood Stage: 17.0 feet.
Moderate Flood Stage: 21.0 feet.
Impacts: At 17.0 feet, Riverside Road will be flooded. Significant flooding of low-lying areas is ongoing. Areas along the river should be avoided until waters recede.
* Some locations that will experience flooding include...
Otto.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Excessive runoff from heavy rainfall is causing flooding of small creeks and streams, country roads, as well as farmland, drainages, and other low-lying areas.
Numerous roads, parking lots and bridges will be threatened by heavy rain and rapidly rising streams and creeks. Please pay close attention to road signs indicating a flood-prone area. Obey all barricades, even if water is not currently over the road. Barricades are in place for your protection and indicate areas where flooding can occur rapidly and without warning.
Only when it is safe to do so, please report floodwaters or landslides flowing over roads or threatening property to the National Weather Service by calling toll-free, 1, 800, 2 6 7, 8 1 0 1, by posting on our Facebook page, or via Twitter using hashtag NWSGSP. Your message should describe the event and the specific location where it occurred, including roadways, nearby cross streets, stream names and other landmarks.
Flood Advisory
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
952 PM EST FRI FEB 22 2019
The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has extended
the
* Flood Advisory for...
North central Macon County in western North Carolina...
South central Swain County in western North Carolina...
* Until 1015 PM EST Saturday.
* At 943 PM EST, Doppler radar indicated periodic continued light to moderate rainfall occurring over the Little Tennessee River watershed across Macon and southern Swain counties.
Rainfall rates associated with these showers are generally less than 0.10 inches per hour. Heavy rainfall of 1-2 inches over the past 24 hours, with 48 hours totals exceeding 3-4 inches, is occurring on top of saturated soils due to a prolonged wet pattern. This is causing widespread excessive runoff and significant stream rises along the Little Tennessee River and associated tributaries. High streamflows causing widespread flooding near Otto are working downstream towards Franklin, Cowee,and Needmore and will cause the Little Tennessee River to remain high.
* The following streamgauge has exceeded Action Stage: Little
Tennessee River above NC 28, 3 N Franklin.
* Current Stage: 8.3 feet and cresting.
* Forecast: The Little Tennessee River will fall slowly through Saturday.
* Action Stage: 7.5 feet.
* Minor Flood Stage: 10.0 feet.
* Impacts: At 7.5 feet, low-lying areas along the Little Tennessee River near NC 28 are beginning to flood. This may impact low-water crossings, boat-access areas, parks, and trails. At 8.0 feet, Needmore Road may flood near the Macon/Swain County line. At 10.0 feet, several low-lying roadways may begin to flood.
* The following streamgauge has exceeded Action Stage: Little
Tennessee River at Needmore Rd., 7 SW Bryson City.
* Current Stage: 8.07 feet and creating.
* Forecast: The Little Tennessee River will fall slowly through
Saturday.
* Action Stage: 7.5 feet.
* Minor Flood Stage: 10.0 feet.
* Impacts: At 7.5 feet, low-lying areas along the Little Tennessee River near NC 28 are beginning to flood. This may impact low-water crossings, boat-access areas, parks, and trails. At 8.0 feet, Needmore Road may flood near the Macon/Swain County line. At 10.0 feet, several low-lying roadways may begin to flood.
* Some locations that will experience flooding include...
Franklin, Luada, Almond, Cowee, Cullasaja and Burningtown.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Heavy rain falling along mountain creeks can cause sudden increases in water flow downstream, even in areas where it is not raining. People participating in outdoor recreation should move away from creeks and small streams.
Only when it is safe to do so, please report floodwaters or landslides flowing over roads or threatening property to the National Weather Service by calling toll-free, 1, 800, 2 6 7, 8 1 0 1, by posting on our Facebook page, or via Twitter using hashtag NWSGSP. Your message should describe the event and the specific location where it occurred, including roadways, nearby cross streets, stream names, and other landmarks.
Wind Advisory
URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
320 AM EST Sat Feb 23 2019
...VERY WINDY CONDITIONS TO DEVELOP ACROSS THE NORTH CAROLINA MOUNTAINS TONIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY NIGHT...
.South to southwest winds will increase rapidly across the North Carolina mountains tonight ahead of an approaching, strong cold front. Winds will turn west then northwest early Sunday behind the passing cold front, increasing in strength in the cold air. Strong winds will likely continue through Sunday night across at least the northern mountains of western North Carolina.
...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 7 PM EST SUNDAY...
The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued a Wind Advisory, which is in effect from 7 PM this evening to 7 PM EST Sunday.
* LOCATIONS...The central and southern mountains of western North Carolina.
* HAZARDS...Very windy conditions.
* TIMING...Southwest winds will increase this evening and then maximize early overnight ahead of an approaching cold front. Winds will turn sharply west then northwest on Sunday and strengthen through the day.
* WINDS...Southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph at elevations above 3500 feet tonight. Following the cold front passage early Sunday, west to northwest winds at 20 to 30 mph, with gusts of 40 to 50 mph, throughout on Sunday.
* IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A Wind Advisory means that winds of 35 mph are expected. Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.
Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio or your favorite source of weather information for the latest updates. Additional details can be found at www.weather.gov/gsp.
WEATHER FORECAST MAPS
Forecast maps for 7 am, 1 pm, and 7 pm.
[click on any image in this article to enlarge]
FRANKLIN AREA FORECAST
Today
A chance of rain before 8am, then a chance of showers between 8am and 1pm, then a chance of rain after 1pm. Patchy fog. Otherwise, cloudy, with a high near 55. Winds out of the southeast 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Tonight
Rain before 3am, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm, mainly after 3am. Patchy fog. Low around 50. Winds out of the south 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Sunday
A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before 8am. Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 60. Winds out of the southwest 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Sunday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 30. Winds out of the northwest around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Monday
Sunny, with a high near 55.
Monday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 30.
OTTO AREA FORECAST
Today
Rain likely before 4pm, then showers likely after 4pm. Patchy fog. Otherwise, cloudy, with a high near 50. Winds out of the southeast around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Tonight
Rain before 1am, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm, mainly after 1am. Patchy fog. Lows in the upper 40s. Winds out of the southeast 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch possible.
Sunday
A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before 8am. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high in the upper 50s. Winds out of the west 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Sunday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around freezing. Winds out of the northwest 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Monday
Sunny, with a high in the upper 50s.
Monday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around freezing.
HIGHLANDS PLATEAU FORECAST
Saturday
Rain, mainly before 4pm, then showers likely after 4pm. Patchy fog. High near 50. Winds out of the southeast around 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Tonight
Rain before 2am, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm, mainly after 2am. Patchy fog. Low around 45. Winds out of the south 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch possible.
Sunday
A chance of showers before 8am, then a slight chance of rain between 8am and 9am. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high in the lower 50s. Winds out of the northwest 20 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Sunday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 30. Winds out of the northwest 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Monday
Sunny, with a high near 50.
Monday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around freezing.
NANTAHALA AREA FORECAST
Today
A chance of rain before 8am, then showers likely between 8am and 1pm, then a chance of rain after 1pm. Patchy fog. Otherwise, cloudy, with a high near 55. Winds out of the south 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tonight
Showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 2am. Patchy fog. Low in the upper 40s. Winds out of the south 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch possible.
Sunday
A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before 7am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 55. Winds out of the southwest 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Sunday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 30. Winds out of the northwest 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Monday
Sunny, with a high near 50.
Monday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 30.
Macon County Almanac for February 23, 2019
Highest Temperature 75°F in Franklin in 1980
Lowest Temperature 3°F in Highlands in 1939
Greatest Rainfall 2.89 inches in Highlands in 1994
Greatest Snowfall 3.5 inches in Highlands in 1989
Weather Extremes for Macon County for February
Data available from 1873 to 2018
Highest Temperature 79°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station on 02-28-1996
Lowest Temperature -19°F in Highlands on 02-13-1899
Greatest Rainfall 6.37 inches at the Coweeta Experimental Station on 02-13-1966
Greatest Snowfall 15.0 inches in Highlands on 02-14-1912
Weather Extremes for Macon County for February
Data available from 1873 to 2018
Highest Temperature 79°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station on 02-28-1996
Lowest Temperature -19°F in Highlands on 02-13-1899
Greatest Rainfall 6.37 inches at the Coweeta Experimental Station on 02-13-1966
Greatest Snowfall 15.0 inches in Highlands on 02-14-1912
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Published at 4:15 am on February 23, 2019
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