Colonial Pipeline to Resume Regular Gasoline Shipments on Tuesday

Colonial Pipeline estimates the Texas-based portion of the pipeline will resume regular shipments of gasoline on Tuesday and the line that carries distillates (diesel, heating fuel, etc) will resume shipments on Monday.

A press release from Colonial Pipeline is posted below:

PRESS RELEASE 
COLONIAL PIPELINE
HARVEY RESPONSE
SEPT 3, 2017
12:05 pm

• Colonial continues to operate from Lake Charles east. We continue to work expeditiously to complete final repairs to our facilities damaged by the storm, and to assess our lines and right of ways to ensure the integrity of our system between Houston and Hebert.
• These assessments are ongoing, and as such, the current estimated restart between Houston and Hebert has been updated to Monday, September 4 for Line 2 (distillates), and Tuesday, September 5 for Line 1 (gasoline).
• Our priority remains the safety of our employees, the environment and the communities where we operate.
• Colonial continues to ship as much gasoline and other refined products as available from Louisiana-based refineries and other refineries on the Colonial system east of Lake Charles, and will continue to do so as markets return to normal.

Previous Colonial Pipeline Stories (in reverse chronological order):

Colonial Pipeline Could Restart as Early as Sunday
(Sept 2017) [LINK]

Colonial Pipeline Temporarily Shuts Down 
Update: Governor Signs Executive Order to Assist with Fuel Shortage and Delivery of Relief Supplies [LINK]

Explosion and Fire Closes Colonial Pipeline Again (Nov 2016) [LINK]


Colonial Pipeline Completes Pipeline Bypass 
Shipments Expected to Resume Tomorrow (Sept 2016) [LINK]


Update on Gas Crunch Situation Locally and from Colonial Pipeline (Sept 2016) 
[LINK]


Gas Shortage Hits Macon County Due to Leak in Alabama (Sept 2016) [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. 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





time posted 3:20 am on September 2, 2017

Read More

Daily Weather Briefing for Saturday, September 2, 2017

Colonial Pipeline Update



Colonial Pipeline issued a press release late Friday estimating Sunday as the earliest possible time they could get their infrastructure in order to resume operations. More information is on the blog. [LINK]

LOCAL OUTLOOK

The remnants of Tropical System Harvey will gradually lift north of the forecast area today and tonight. In its wake, warmer and drier high pressure will spread over the region and linger into Tuesday. Another cold front will approach from the northwest Tuesday evening and bring widespread showers and thunderstorms to the area on Wednesday.


WEATHER SPONSOR



Adams Products, a Division of Oldcastle is underwriting the daily weather briefing and public safety updates for the month. They have all your masonry products (block, mortars, tools), plus feature Belgrade Pavers and Sakrete Products. Open 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, M-F, located at 895 Hickory Knoll Road, Franklin, NC.

Visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Adams.Oldcastle.Franklin.NC/

Their phone number is 828.524.8545, all are welcome, let them help you with your next project.


Weather Almanac for September 2nd (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 93°F in Franklin in 1957
Lowest Temperature 40°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1954
Greatest Rainfall 3.21 inches in Highlands in 1898


Record weather events for September in Macon County

Highest Temperature 98°F in Franklin on Sept 4, 1975
Lowest Temperature 27°F in Franklin on Sept 30, 1967
Greatest Rainfall 11.87 inches in Highlands on Sept 29, 1967


THREE DAY OUTLOOK



TODAY cool and breezy

Patchy fog early. Mostly cloudy with highs near 70 in Franklin and the main valley and 5 to 10 degrees cooler in Highlands and the higher elevations. Winds will be calm early, then rise to 5 to 10 mph, with gusts to 20 mph, out of the northwest, peaking in the afternoon hours, the dying off later in the afternoon as the remnants of Harvey speed away to the north and an area of high pressure moves over the region from the west.


TONIGHT

Mostly cloudy with skies becoming mostly clear by 3 am or so. Lows in the lower 50s in the Franklin and main valley and 5 or so degrees cooler in Highlands and the higher elevations. Winds will be light and variable in the lower elevations and out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph in the higher elevations, gusting to 20 mph.



SUNDAY

Sunny with highs near 80 (70s in the higher elevations). Calm winds in the morning, then from the northwest by mid-morning.

SUNDAY NIGHT

Mostly clear with lows in the mid-50s and light winds out of the north.



LABOR DAY

Sunny with highs in the mid-80s. Calm winds in the morning and then rising to come out of the southwest in the afternoon.

MONDAY NIGHT

Mostly clear with lows in the mid to upper 50s.

HAZARDS

Hazardous weather is not expected today.

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



TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK


Tropical Weather Outlook
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
200 AM EDT Sat Sep 2 2017

For the North Atlantic...The Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico:

The National Hurricane Center is issuing advisories on Hurricane Irma, located over the central tropical Atlantic Ocean. The Weather Prediction Center is issuing advisories on Post-Tropical Cyclone Harvey, located over Kentucky.

1. Disorganized showers and thunderstorms located a few hundred miles southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands are associated with a tropical wave. Environmental conditions are expected to become more conducive for development in a couple of days, and this system could become a tropical depression early next week while it moves westward at 15 mph over the tropical Atlantic.

* Formation chance through 48 hours...low...near 0 percent.
* Formation chance through 5 days...medium...60 percent.



Hurricane Irma Discussion Number 11
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL112017
1100 PM AST Fri Sep 01 2017



KEY MESSAGES:

1. Irma is expected to be a major hurricane when it approaches the Lesser Antilles early next week, producing rough surf and rip currents. Irma could also cause dangerous wind, storm surge, and rainfall impacts on some islands, although it is too soon to specify where and when those hazards could occur. Residents in the Lesser Antilles should monitor the progress of Irma through the weekend and listen to any advice given by local officials.

2. It is much too early to determine what direct impacts Irma will have on the continental United States. Regardless, everyone in hurricane-prone areas should ensure that they have their hurricane plan in place, as we are now near the peak of the season.

FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS

INIT 02/0300Z 19.1N 40.5W 100 KT 115 MPH
12H 02/1200Z 19.0N 42.3W 100 KT 115 MPH
24H 03/0000Z 18.5N 44.6W 105 KT 120 MPH
36H 03/1200Z 17.9N 46.9W 110 KT 125 MPH
48H 04/0000Z 17.3N 49.0W 110 KT 125 MPH
72H 05/0000Z 16.8N 53.3W 110 KT 125 MPH
96H 06/0000Z 18.0N 57.5W 115 KT 130 MPH
120H 07/0000Z 20.5N 62.5W 115 KT 130 MPH

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 graphic. 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.


Friday, September 8th at 1:00 pm

BUTTERFLY WALK AT HIGHLANDS BIOLOGICAL STATION

James T. Costa, Ph.D. will lead a free nature walk with an emphasis on butterflies at 1 pm Friday Sept. 8 at the Highlands Biological Station, 265 N. 6th St. Highlands. He is Director of the research station and a biology professor at Western Carolina University. For those who want to carpool from Franklin, we will meet at Bi-Lo's parking lot at 12:15 pm. Please email Renee at Rubinlive@gmail.com if you are interested so you may be informed of any changes due to weather.
In addition, Dr. Costa will speak at 6:30 pm Sept. 8 at City Lights in Sylva about his new book, Darwin's Backyard: How Small Experiments Led to a Big Theory.

The Future Farmers of America are selling Raffle Tickets
More information is posted below:

Support Franklin FFA (Future Farmers of America)
!!! RAFFLE TICKETS !!!!

$5.00 a ticket or 5 for $20.00

Winner announced & does not be present at The Macon County Fair 2017
September 13-16, 2017 at The Wayne Proffitt Agriculture Center - Macon County Fairgrounds, 1436 Georgia Rd, Franklin NC 28734
Raffle is for Adventure Package, valued at $300.00...

Items are:
1. Cargo Carrier ( donated by Ultimate Truck Accessories) - can be used atop an SUV/Van or rear hitch
2. Foldable Camp Chairs in Camo with Table
3. Burn Fire Log (Swedish Flame Torch)
4. Lighter
5. Heavy Duty Flashlight
6. "Over the flame" cooking basket
7. Roasting Sticks
8. Bug Spray

We thank Appalachian Ace Hardware for their support.

*All proceeds go to Franklin FFA & FHS Ag Dept*
Contact Gregory Charles Spala via FB or 813-838-7693 text or call
Or Lori Spala via FB or 813-503-2160


September 27th, WEDNESDAY

HOSPICE HOUSE FOUNDATION OF WNC

PEACEFUL JOURNEY
3rd annual charity dining event
hosted by RISTORANTE PAOLETTI at 440 Main Street in Highlands

For information, visit http://hhfwnc.org/peaceful-journey/


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 6:41 a.m.
Sunrise 7:07 a.m.
Sun transit 1:33 p.m.
Sunset 7:59 p.m.
End civil twilight 8:24 p.m.


Moon

Moonset 3:31 a.m.
Moonrise 5:48 p.m.
Moon transit 11:05 p.m.
Moonset 4:25 a.m. on following day


Phase of the Moon on September 2, 2017: Waxing Gibbous with 87% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
Closest Primary Moon Phase: Full Moon on September 6, 2017 at 3:03 a.m. (local daylight time)





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. 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 4:32 am on September 2, 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

Colonial Pipeline Could Restart as Early as Sunday

Here is the latest update from Colonial Pipeline about the status of repairs to their infrastructure.



PRESS RELEASE
Colonial Pipeline Media Update #5 (September 1 at 5:22 p.m. EST)

Colonial’s Lines 1 and 2 continue operating from Lake Charles east, drawing from available terminal and refinery supplies.

Lines from Houston to Hebert remain down due to the storm and flooding.

Prior to resuming operations from Houston to Hebert, we will need to complete the assessment of our lines, facilities, and right of ways in those areas and make the necessary repairs before restarting the line.

Given the anticipated level of work required to restart these facilities, we continue to project a Sunday restart of our lines and facilities between Houston and Hebert.

This timing is an estimate, and dependent on a number of considerations, including safe access to locations, passable roads and commercial power, and completion of any needed repairs.




Previous Colonial Pipeline Stories (in reverse chronological order):

Colonial Pipeline Temporarily Shuts Down 
Update: Governor Signs Executive Order to Assist with Fuel Shortage and Delivery of Relief Supplies [LINK]

Explosion and Fire Closes Colonial Pipeline Again (Nov 2016) [LINK]


Colonial Pipeline Completes Pipeline Bypass 
Shipments Expected to Resume Tomorrow (Sept 2016) [LINK]


Update on Gas Crunch Situation Locally and from Colonial Pipeline (Sept 2016) 
[LINK]


Gas Shortage Hits Macon County Due to Leak in Alabama (Sept 2016) [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. 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





time posted 3:20 am on September 2, 2017

Read More

Daily Weather Briefing for Friday, September 1, 2017

LOCAL OUTLOOK

Numerous rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected through late tonight as the remnants of Harvey move into the Ohio Valley and a frontal boundary persists across Western North Carolina. Warmer and drier high pressure behind Harvey will result in a return to near normal temperatures by early next week. A cold front will approach from the west by the middle of next week.


WEATHER SPONSOR



Adams Products, a Division of Oldcastle is underwriting the daily weather briefing and public safety updates for the month. They have all your masonry products (block, mortars, tools), plus feature Belgrade Pavers and Sakrete Products. Open 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, M-F, located at 895 Hickory Knoll Road, Franklin, NC.

Visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Adams.Oldcastle.Franklin.NC/

Their phone number is 828.524.8545, all are welcome, let them help you with your next project.


Weather Almanac for September 1st (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 95°F in Franklin in 1951
Lowest Temperature 40°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1946
Greatest Rainfall 5.80 inches in Highlands in 1917


Record weather events for September in Macon County

Highest Temperature 98°F in Franklin on Sept 4, 1975
Lowest Temperature 27°F in Franklin on Sept 30, 1967
Greatest Rainfall 11.87 inches in Highlands on Sept 29, 1967


THREE DAY OUTLOOK



TODAY ran in the morning and possible thunder in the afternoon

Patchy fog today. Mostly cloudy with highs in Franklin and the main valley in the lower 70s and 5 to 8 degrees cooler in Highlands and the higher elevations. Winds out of the southeast 5 to 15 mph. 70% chance of rain with rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, with locations that see thunderstorm activity receiving more. Rainfall rates should be in the neighborhood of between 0.05 and 0.15 inches per hour.


TONIGHT rain tapering off, thunder possible before midnight

Mostly cloudy with overnight fog developing and lows near 60 in Franklin and the main valley and 5 to 8 degrees cooler in Highlands and the higher elevations. 60% chance of rain with rainfall rates not expected to exceed 0.1 inches an hour. Rain should start to taper off by midnight and be intermittent after.



SATURDAY

Partly sunny with highs in the low to mid-70s and winds 5 to 10 mph out of the southwest.

SATURDAY NIGHT

Partly cloudy with lows in the 50s and winds out of the west calming before midnight.



SUNDAY

Sunny with highs near 80.

SUNDAY NIGHT

Mostly clear with lows in the 50s.

HAZARDS

Rain is expected today, with perhaps an inch or so falling from 6 am to 6 pm. There is a chance of thunderstorm activity this afternoon.

The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for today and tomorrow for the rainfall and storms we will be seeing as the remnants of Harvey pass north of the area. It is posted below:

..TODAY...Severe weather possible. The moisture from the remnants of Harvey, coupled with strong wind fields aloft, and an unstable atmosphere, will support the potential for severe thunderstorms. The primary threats will be damaging winds and isolated tornadoes. It appears isolated activity could begin Friday morning roughly along and south of Interstate 85, with a somewhat greater potential Friday afternoon and evening around the entire region. There will also be a lingering heavy rain threat Friday, therefore we will be monitoring any flooding potential

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



TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK

What remains of HARVEY will be passing to our north today and tonight, with us being in the dry slot so we will not be receiving as much rain as forecast earlier in the week. HUrricane IRMA has formed in the Atlantic and may pose a threat to the east coast in a week or so. It is far too soon to be making dire predictions about this storm.


Tropical Weather Outlook
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
200 AM EDT Fri Sep 1 2017

For the North Atlantic...The Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico:

The National Hurricane Center is issuing advisories on Hurricane Irma, located over the eastern Atlantic Ocean. The Weather Prediction Center is issuing advisories on Tropical Depression Harvey, located over northern Mississippi.

1. A tropical wave located over the far eastern Atlantic Ocean just off the west coast of Africa is producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms. Environmental conditions are expected to be conducive for development, and this system could become a tropical depression early next week while it moves westward at 15 mph over the tropical Atlantic.

* Formation chance through 48 hours...low...near 0 percent.
* Formation chance through 5 days...medium...50 percent.



TROPICAL DEPRESSION HARVEY ADVISORY NUMBER 47
NWS WEATHER PREDICTION CENTER COLLEGE PARK MD AL092017
1000 PM CDT THU AUG 31 2017

...HARVEY BEGINNING TO LOSE TROPICAL CHARACTERISTICS AS HEAVY RAIN
SPREADS TOWARD THE OHIO VALLEY...SEVERE FLOODING CONTINUES ACROSS
FAR EASTERN TEXAS AND WESTERN LOUISIANA...

SUMMARY OF 1000 PM CDT...0300 UTC...INFORMATION
-----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...34.3N 89.0W
ABOUT 10 MILES...15 KM...WSW OF TUPELO/C.D. LEMONS MISSISSIPPI
ABOUT 80 MILES...130 KM...SE OF MEMPHIS TENNESSEE
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...30 MPH...50 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...NE OR 45 DEGREES AT 14 MPH...23 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...1000 MB...29.53 INCHES


WATCHES AND WARNINGS
--------------------
FLASH FLOOD WATCHES AND WARNINGS ARE IN EFFECT FROM NORTHEAST
ARKANSAS INTO NORTHERN MISSISSIPPI...WESTERN TENNESSEE AND MUCH OF
KENTUCKY...

...FLOOD WARNINGS REMAIN IN EFFECT FOR PARTS OF EASTERN TEXAS INTO
WESTERN LOUISIANA...

FOR INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO YOUR AREA...INCLUDING POSSIBLE WATCHES
AND WARNINGS...PLEASE MONITOR PRODUCTS ISSUED BY YOUR LOCAL
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE OFFICE AT WWW.WEATHER.GOV.


DISCUSSION AND 48-HOUR OUTLOOK
------------------------------
AT 1000 PM CDT...0300 UTC...THE CENTER OF TROPICAL DEPRESSION HARVEY WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 34.3 NORTH...AND LONGITUDE 89.0 WEST. RADAR AND SATELLITE IMAGERY INDICATE THAT TROPICAL DEPRESSION HARVEY HAS BEGUN TO SHOW SIGNS OF LOSING TROPICAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE PAST FEW HOURS. HARVEY IS EXPECTED TO LOSE TROPICAL CHARACTERISTICS AS IT CONTINUES TO MOVE NORTHEASTWARD TOWARD THE OHIO VALLEY OVER THE NEXT 48 HOURS BEFORE DISSIPATING IN OHIO SATURDAY EVENING.

MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE IS 1000 MB...29.53 INCHES.


HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
-------
RAINFALL...TROPICAL DEPRESSION HARVEY Is expected to produce 2 to 5 inches of rain from western to central Tennessee and western to central Kentucky into extreme southeastern Indiana, southern Ohio, and west central West Virginia. Locally higher totals of 6 to 8 inches are possible from western Tennessee to west central Kentucky. These rains will enhance the flash flooding risk across these areas. However, widespread flooding will continue in and around Houston, Beaumont/Port Arthur/Orange, and eastward around the Louisiana border through the weekend. The expected heavy rains spreading northeastward across the Tennessee valley may also lead to flash flooding...Increasing the chance of river and small stream flooding. Do not attempt to travel in the affected area if you are in a safe place. Do not drive into flooded roadways.

...SELECTED (Top 2 each state) PRELIMINARY STORM TOTAL RAINFALL IN INCHES THROUGH 10
PM CDT

...ALABAMA...
GASQUE 8.00
BONSECOUR 7.91


...ARKANSAS...
MAMMOTH SPRINGS 2 SSE 6.42
HARRISBURG 4.33


...FLORIDA...
PENSACOLA REGIONAL AIRPORT 7.95
MILTON 7.33


...GEORGIA...
COLUMBUS METRO ARPT 2.04
ATLANTA RGNL ARPT - FALCON FIELD 1.70

...LOUISIANA...
BAYOU CONWAY 22.25
BAYOU TORO NEAR TORO 20.62


...MISSISSIPPI...
GAUTIER 8.27
SANDHILL CRANE - FTS 7.90


...TENNESSEE...
MEMPHIS INTL ARPT 1.25
JACKSON MCKELLAR-SIPES RGNL ARPT 1.12

...TEXAS...
CEDAR BAYOU AT FM 1942 51.88
CLEAR CREEK AT I-45 49.40


...SELECTED PEAK WIND GUSTS IN MILES PER HOUR EARLIER IN THE
EVENT...

...TEXAS...
PORT ARANSAS 2 ENE 132
COPANO VILLAGE 1 ENE 125



NEXT ADVISORY
-------------
NEXT ADVISORY ISSUED AT 400 AM CDT. PLEASE REFER TO YOUR LOCAL NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE OFFICE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THIS
STORM.

FORECASTER KONG

FORECAST POSITIONS
------------------
INITIAL 01/0300Z 34.3N 89.0W
12HR VT 01/1200Z 35.5N 87.8W
24HR VT 02/0000Z 36.7N 85.8W...POST-TROP/EXTRATROP
36HR VT 02/1200Z 37.9N 84.9W...POST-TROP/EXTRATROP
48HR VT 03/0000Z 40.2N 83.0W...POST-TROP/EXTRATROP

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 graphic. 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.


Friday, September 8th at 1:00 pm

BUTTERFLY WALK AT HIGHLANDS BIOLOGICAL STATION

James T. Costa, Ph.D. will lead a free nature walk with an emphasis on butterflies at 1 pm Friday Sept. 8 at the Highlands Biological Station, 265 N. 6th St. Highlands. He is Director of the research station and a biology professor at Western Carolina University. For those who want to carpool from Franklin, we will meet at Bi-Lo's parking lot at 12:15 pm. Please email Renee at Rubinlive@gmail.com if you are interested so you may be informed of any changes due to weather.
In addition, Dr. Costa will speak at 6:30 pm Sept. 8 at City Lights in Sylva about his new book, Darwin's Backyard: How Small Experiments Led to a Big Theory.

The Future Farmers of America are selling Raffle Tickets
More information is posted below:

Support Franklin FFA (Future Farmers of America)
!!! RAFFLE TICKETS !!!!

$5.00 a ticket or 5 for $20.00

Winner announced & does not be present at The Macon County Fair 2017
September 13-16, 2017 at The Wayne Proffitt Agriculture Center - Macon County Fairgrounds, 1436 Georgia Rd, Franklin NC 28734
Raffle is for Adventure Package, valued at $300.00...

Items are:
1. Cargo Carrier ( donated by Ultimate Truck Accessories) - can be used atop an SUV/Van or rear hitch
2. Foldable Camp Chairs in Camo with Table
3. Burn Fire Log (Swedish Flame Torch)
4. Lighter
5. Heavy Duty Flashlight
6. "Over the flame" cooking basket
7. Roasting Sticks
8. Bug Spray

We thank Appalachian Ace Hardware for their support.

*All proceeds go to Franklin FFA & FHS Ag Dept*
Contact Gregory Charles Spala via FB or 813-838-7693 text or call
Or Lori Spala via FB or 813-503-2160


September 27th, WEDNESDAY

HOSPICE HOUSE FOUNDATION OF WNC

PEACEFUL JOURNEY
3rd annual charity dining event
hosted by RISTORANTE PAOLETTI at 440 Main Street in Highlands

For information, visit http://hhfwnc.org/peaceful-journey/


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 6:40 a.m.
Sunrise 7:06 a.m.
Sun transit 1:33 p.m.
Sunset 8:00 p.m.
End civil twilight 8:26 p.m.


Moon

Moonset 2:40 a.m.
Moonrise 5:03 p.m.
Moon transit 10:17 p.m.
Moonset 3:31 a.m. tomorrow

Phase of the Moon on September 1, 2017: Waxing Gibbous with 80% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
Closest Primary Moon Phase: First Quarter on August 29, 2017 at 4:13 a.m. (local daylight time)





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. 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 4:40 am on September 1, 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. 

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Colonial Pipeline Temporarily Shuts Down UPdate: Governor Signs Executive Order to Assist with Fuel Shortage and Delivery of Relief Supplies

**UPDATE: 5:50 pm**

The Governor has declared a State of Emergency suspending regulations to allow trucks to bring fuel into the state and to allow relief supplies to be delivered to the victims of Hurricane Harvey. The text is posted below. The original material of this article is below the Executive Order.

ROY COOPER GOVERNOR August 31, 2017 EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 19
DECLARATION OF STATE OF EMERGENCY IN ORDER TO SUSPEND MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FUEL SUPPLIES IN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA AND TO SUPPORT RELIEF EFFORTS FOR HURRICANE HARVEY

WHEREAS, Hurricane Harvey made landfall on the coast of Texas on August 25, 2017 and the remnants of the storm also impacted Louisiana; and

WHEREAS, the storm continues to cause major catastrophic impacts to areas in both Texas and Louisiana; and

WHEREAS, many states and organizations will be supporting emergency relief efforts to Texas and Louisiana and those vehicles transporting emergency relief supplies and services will be traveling through North Carolina; and

WHEREAS, due to the impact of Hurricane Harvey there has been a temporary shutdown of refineries in Texas and Louisiana, which has caused a disruption in the delivery of petroleum products, including gasoline; and

WHEREAS, vehicles carrying gasoline and other petroleum products need to be moved to communities on the highways of North Carolina; and

WHEREAS, the supply of gasoline and petroleum products to citizens is essential to their safety and well-being; and

WHEREAS, I have found that there is an abnormal market disruption in North Carolina, as a result of the impact of the temporary shutdown of refineries due to Hurricane Harvey, in Executive Order number 18; and

WHEREAS, due to the finding of an abnormal market disruption and the catastrophic damages in Texas and Louisiana, I have determined that it is necessary to declare that a state of emergency as defined in N.C.G.S. §§ 166A-l 9.3(6), l 66A-19.3(19) and 166A-19.20 exists in the State of North Carolina for the purpose of temporarily waiving certain motor vehicle regulations for vehicles that transport gasoline and petroleum products. This emergency declaration is also necessary to provide coverage to vehicles providing emergency relief and services to Texas and Louisiana due to Hurricane Harvey. The emergency area as defined in N.C.G.S. §§ 166A-19.3(7) and N.C.G.S. 166A-19.20(b) is the State of North Carolina; and

WHEREAS, under the provisions of N.C.G.S. § 166A-19.30(b)(3) the Governor, with the concurrence of the Council of State, may regulate and control the flow of vehicular traffic and the operation of transportation services; and

WHERAS, under the provisions of N.C.G.S. § 166A-19.30(b)(4) the Governor, with the concurrence of the Council of State, may waive a provision of any regulation or ordinance of a State agency which restricts the immediate relief of human suffering; and

WHEREAS, with the concurrence of the Council of State, I have found that vehicles carrying gasoline and petroleum products and carrying emergency relief supplies or services for Hurricane Harvey must adhere to the registration requirements of N.C.G.S. § 20-86.1 and 20- 382, fuel tax requirements of N.C.G.S. § 105-449.47, and the size and weight requirements of

N.C.G.S. §§ 20-116, 20-118 and 20-119. I have further found that citizens will likely suffer further widespread damage within the meaning of N.C.G.S § 166A-19.3(3) and N.C.G.S. § 166A-19.2l(b); and

WHEREAS, 49 C.F.R. § 390.23 allows the Governor of a state to suspend the rules and regulations under 49 C.F.R. Parts 390-399 for up to thirty (30) days if the Governor determines that an emergency condition exists; and

WHEREAS, under N.C.G.S. § 166A-19.70, the Governor may declare that the health, safety, or economic well-being of persons or property requires that the maximum hours of service for drivers prescribed by N.C.G.S. § 20-381 should be waived for persons transporting essential fuels, food, water, medical supplies, and for vehicles used in the restoration of utility services; and

WHEREAS, on August 25, 2017, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued a regional emergency declaration, pursuant to 49 C.F.R 390.23 to provide for regulatory relief for commercial motor vehicle operations under 49 C.F.R Parts 390-399, while providing direct assistance supporting emergency relief efforts transporting supplies, equipment and persons into or from the States of Texas and Louisiana or providing other assistance in the form of emergency services during the emergency resulting from Hurricane Harvey in the States of Texas and Louisiana.

NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the authority vested in me as Governor by the Constitution and the laws of the State of North Carolina, IT IS ORDERED:

Section 1.

The North Carolina Department of Public Safety in conjunction with the North Carolina Department of Transportation shall waive the maximum hours of service for drivers prescribed by the Department of Public Safety pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 20-381.

Section 2.

The North Carolina Department of Public Safety in conjunction with the North Carolina Department of Transportation shall waive certain size and weight restrictions and penalties arising under N.C.G.S. §§ 20-116, 20-118 and 20-119, and certain registration requirements and penalties arising under N.C.G.S. §§ 20-86.1, 20-382, 105-449.47, and I 05-449.49 for the vehicles transporting gasoline and other petroleum products to areas within North Carolina and for vehicles transporting emergency relief or services for Hurricane Harvey to Texas and Louisiana.

Section 3.

Notwithstanding the waivers set forth above, size and weight restrictions and penalties have not been waived under the following conditions:

When the vehicle weight exceeds the maximum gross weight criteria established by the manufacturer (GVWR) or 90,000 pounds gross weight, whichever is less.

When the tandem axle weight exceeds 42,000 pounds and the single axle weight exceeds 22,000 pounds.

When a vehicle and vehicle combination exceeds 12 feet in width and a total overall vehicle combination length of 75 feet from bumper to bumper.

Vehicles and vehicle combinations subject to exemptions or permits by authority of this Executive Order shall not be exempt from the requirement of having a yellow banner on the front and rear measuring a total length of 7 feet by 18 inches bearing the legend "Oversized Load" in 10 inch black letters 1.5 inches wide and red flags measuring 18 inches square to be displayed on all sides at the widest point of the load. In addition, when operating between sunset and sunrise, a certified escort shall be required for loads exceeding 8 feet 6 inches in width.

Section 4.

Vehicles referenced under Sections 2 and 3 shall be exempt from the following registration requirements:

The $50.00 fee listed in N.C.G.S. § 105-449.49 for a temporary trip permit is waived for the vehicles described above. No quarterly fuel tax is required because the exception in N.C.G.S. § 105-449.45(a)(l ) applies.

The registration requirements under N.C.G.S. § 20-382.1 concerning intrastate and interstate for-hire authority is waived; however, vehicles shall maintain the required limits of insurance as required.

Non-participants in North Carolina's International Registration Plan will be permitted into North Carolina in accordance with the exemptions identified by this Executive Order.

Section 5.

The size and weight exemption for vehicles will be allowed on all routes designated by the North Carolina Department of Transportation, except those routes designated as light traffic roads under N.C.G.S. § 20-118. This order shall not be in effect on bridges posted pursuant to

N.C.G.S. § 136-72.

Section 6.

The waiver of regulations under Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations) does not apply to the Commercial Driver's License and Insurance Requirements. This waiver shall be in effect for thirty (30) days or the duration of the emergency, whichever is less.

Section 7.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol shall enforce the conditions set forth in Sections 1 through 6 of this Executive Order in a manner, which will implement these provisions without endangering motorists in North Carolina.

Section 8.

Upon request by law enforcement officers, exempted vehicles must produce documentation sufficient to establish their loads are being used for relief efforts associated with transporting gasoline, other petroleum products or for emergency relief efforts associated with Hurricane Harvey.

Section 9.

This Executive Order does not prohibit or restrict lawfully possessed firearms or ammunition or impose any limitation on the consumption, transportation, sale or purchase of alcoholic beverages as provided in N.C.G.S. § 166A-19.30(c).

Section 10.

The gasoline truck tank and vapor system requirements of I SA N.C.A.C. 02D.0932(c) shall be waived during this time if Method 27 is followed.

Section 11.

This Executive Order is effective immediately and shall remain in effect for thirty (30) days or the duration of the emergency, whichever is less.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in the City of Raleigh, this 3P1 day of August in the year of our Lord two thousand-seventeen.

--end update--

The shut down of refineries in the Texas and Louisiana areas are beginning to have some impact on the delivery of fuel as a temporary shortage in supply has developed. Colonial Pipeline has two main lines that together transport more than 100 million gallons of gasoline, heating oil and aviation fuel as far as the New York Harbor every day. 

The pipeline has been shut down in 2005 for Hurricanes Katrina and Rite and for a leak and a fire in 2016 and is once again having to shut down, this time for Hurricane Harvey. The diesel and Aviation line was shut down Wednesday and the gasoline line was shut today. It is unknown how long the lines will be down or if alternate delivery methods can keep up with the demand.

A press release from Colonial Pipeline is posted below. Macon Media notes that if people do not alter their routine to refuel, interruptions in fuel supply at local gas stations will be minimal. The moment everyone starts topping off their tanks with a couple of gallons here and there, the whole fuel supply crunch we saw in 2005, 2008 and in 2016 will happen again.


PRESS RELEASE
Harvey Storm Response
Colonial Pipeline Company
August 30, 2017

Colonial Pipeline continues to deploy personnel and resources to the Gulf Coast to assist with response efforts related to the hurricane. This work is being managed via an established incident command center with dedicated staffing and resources.

As of this morning, Colonial facilities west of Lake Charles, La., are temporarily out of service due to the storms. Once Colonial personnel can safely access these facilities, we will evaluate and provide an estimate of the time necessary to ensure our pipe, pumps, tanks and related infrastructure are safe to resume operations between Houston and Lake Charles.

Due to supply constraints caused by storm-related refinery shut-downs and the impact to Colonial’s facilities west of Lake Charles, Colonial’s Line 2, which transports primarily diesel and aviation fuels, will suspend service this evening. For the same reasons, we expect that Line 1, which transports gasoline and is currently operating at reduced rates, will suspend service tomorrow (Thursday). Once Colonial is able to ensure that its facilities are safe to operate and refiners in Lake Charles and points east have the ability to move product to Colonial, our system will resume operations.

Of the 26 refineries that connect to the Colonial system, 13 are located between Houston and Lake Charles.

Colonial is one part of the fuel delivery system, and there are multiple means of supplying the market to mitigate concerns with supply, including other pipelines, trucks, and barges.

The safety of our personnel and integrity of our system will remain the top priorities. Our thoughts and prayers remain with all those impacted by this event.


Previous Colonial Pipeline Stories (in reverse chronological order):

Explosion and Fire Closes Colonial Pipeline Again (Nov 2016) [LINK]


Colonial Pipeline Completes Pipeline Bypass 
Shipments Expected to Resume Tomorrow (Sept 2016) [LINK]


Update on Gas Crunch Situation Locally and from Colonial Pipeline (Sept 2016) 
[LINK]


Gas Shortage Hits Macon County Due to Leak in Alabama (Sept 2016) [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. 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 11:05 am on August 31, 2017
.

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Daily Weather Briefing for Thursday, August 31, 2017

LOCAL OUTLOOK

High-pressure ridging down the Appalachians from the north will keep our area cooler than normal through the end of the work week. Moisture will also steadily increase atop the region as the remnants of Harvey move into the Ohio Valley and pass through the county. Warm high pressure will return behind Harvey during the latter half of Labor Day weekend.

Remnants of HARVEY

It now appears that Macon County will be in the dry slot as Harvey passes by to our north. Macon County will probably not receive more than 3 inches of rain today, tonight and tomorrow. Some locations may receive more if there are multiple rounds of thunderstorms. Widespread flooding is not expected and only locations that have poor drainage will be impacted.

If you are out driving in one of the periods of heavy rain, or shortly afterward, please be cautious as there may be areas with excess water in the roadway, making it more likely to hydroplane and lose control of your automobile. Reduce your speed and following distances if you have to travel today and tomorrow.


WEATHER SPONSOR



Adams Products, a Division of Oldcastle is underwriting the daily weather briefing and public safety updates for the month. They have all your masonry products (block, mortars, tools), plus feature Belgrade Pavers and Sakrete Products. Open 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, M-F, located at 895 Hickory Knoll Road, Franklin, NC.

Visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Adams.Oldcastle.Franklin.NC/

Their phone number is 828.524.8545, all are welcome, let them help you with your next project.


Weather Almanac for August 31st (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 93°F in Franklin in 1957
Lowest Temperature 40°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1946
Greatest Rainfall 4.11 inches in Highlands in 1893


Record weather events for August in Macon County

Highest Temperature 99°F in Franklin on Aug 9, 1980
Lowest Temperature 40°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station on Aug 29, 1968
Greatest Rainfall 9.68 inches in Highlands on Aug 13, 1940


THREE DAY OUTLOOK



TODAY heavy rain at times

Patchy fog and rainy today, with some thunderstorms likely. Highs in the mid-70s in the Franklin area and 5 to 8 degrees cooler in the Highlands area and the higher elevations. 100% chance of rain at some point in the entire county today. Rainfall amounts from 6 am to 6 pm will be between half an inch to an inch, with more in locations that see multiple rounds of thunderstorm activity.


TONIGHT heavy rain, some thunderstorms

Cloudy and foggy overnight with lows in the low to mid-60s and winds 5 to 10 mph from the southeast. Near 100% chance of rain with rainfall amounts around an inch expected. Some locations could see more.



FRIDAY heavy rain at times, strong thunderstorms possible

Cloudy with highs near the mid-70s in the Franklin area and 5 to 10 degrees cooler in Highlands and the higher elevations. Winds 5 to 10 mph from the south. Rainfall chances are expected to be around 70% with rainfall amounts around half an inch, with more possible in locations that see thunderstorms activity. Some thunderstorms may be strong or severe.

FRIDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows near 60 and wind 5 to 10 mph from the south. 40% chance of rain.



SATURDAY

Partly sunny with highs in the mid-70s. 30% chance of showers, mainly before 3 pm.

SATURDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows in the mid to upper 50s.

HAZARDS

Rain and thunderstorms are expected today. The rain could be heavy at times. As the ground becomes saturated, it is possible some flooding could occur tomorrow. Some thunderstorms activity is expected and some of it could be severe tomorrow. The remnants of Harvey are expected to arrive in the region in the next few days and the current thinking is that we could receive 3 or 4 inches of rain out of the event.

The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for today and tomorrow for the rainfall and storms we will be seeing as the remnants of Harvey pass through the area. It is posted below:

..TODAY...Heavy rain possible. The remnants of Tropical Cyclone
Harvey will spread moisture into the area Thursday through Friday,
resulting in a threat for locally heavy rain.

..FRIDAY...Severe weather with flash flooding possible. The remnants
of Harvey will cross the Tennessee Valley, continuing to spread deep
moisture and shear across the area. This may lead to localized flash
flooding as well as an isolated threat for severe thunderstorms
capable of producing strong winds.

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



TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK


Tropical Weather Outlook
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
200 AM EDT Thu Aug 31 2017

For the North Atlantic...The Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico:

The National Hurricane Center has issued its last advisory on Tropical Depression Harvey, located over central Louisiana. Future advisories on Harvey will be issued by the NOAA Weather Prediction Center beginning at 4 AM CDT. The National Hurricane Center is issuing advisories on Tropical Storm Irma, located over the eastern Atlantic Ocean.

1. An area of low pressure could form over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico by the weekend. Development, if any, of this system is expected to be slow to occur as the low moves slowly northward. If this system does develop, it could bring additional rainfall to portions of the Texas and Louisiana coasts. However, any rainfall forecast is uncertain at this time range, and it is too soon to determine any specific impacts. Interests in these areas should monitor the progress of this system for the next few days.

* Formation chance through 48 hours...low...near 0 percent.
* Formation chance through 5 days...low...20 percent.



Tropical Depression Harvey Discussion Number 43
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL092017
1000 PM CDT Wed Aug 30 2017

Harvey has continued to weaken since this afternoon as the center has moved farther inland over Louisiana. Surface observations indicate that winds along the northern Gulf coast have decreased, and the system became a tropical depression in the 0000 UTC intermediate advisory. Harvey should continue to gradually weaken as the circulation moves farther inland, and the cyclone is expected to dissipate over the Ohio Valley within 72 hours.

Harvey is moving north-northeastward at about 8 kt. The cyclone should turn northeastward around the northwestern portion of a mid-level ridge that extends westward from the western Atlantic across the eastern Gulf of Mexico. This steering pattern is forecast to take Harvey across the Lower Mississippi and Tennessee Valleys during the next couple of days.

It should be noted that despite Harvey's weakening, heavy rainfall and flooding are forecast to occur along the path of Harvey during the next few days, but it's faster forward speed should keep subsequent rainfall amounts well below what occurred along the northwest Gulf coast.

This is the last advisory issued by the National Hurricane Center on Harvey. Future information on this system can be found in public advisories issued by the Weather Prediction Center beginning at 4 AM CDT under AWIPS header TCPAT4, WMO header WTNT34 KWNH, and on the web at http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov. Additional information can also be found in products issued by your local National Weather Service office.

The National Hurricane Center would like to thank all the men and women that have worked countless hours at local National Weather Service Forecast offices along the Gulf coast providing life-saving warnings and information during the past week, on top of preparing their family and homes for the storm. The center would also like to acknowledge the dedication of the Air Force and NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft crews that flew numerous missions into Harvey. In addition, NHC thanks the staff at the Weather Prediction Center, who led efforts to coordinate forecasts of the historic flooding event, NWS River Forecast Centers that provided flood guidance, and the Storm Prediction Center, that coordinated tornado forecasts.

Key Messages:

1. Ongoing catastrophic and life-threatening flooding will continue across southeastern Texas. While the threat of heavy rains has ended in the Houston/Galveston area, catastrophic and life-threatening flooding will continue in and around Houston, Beaumont/Port Arthur, and eastward into southwest Louisiana for the rest of the week. Isolated storm totals have reached 50 inches over the upper Texas coast, including the Houston/Galveston metropolitan area. Please heed the advice of local officials. Do not attempt to travel if you are in a safe place, and do not drive into flooded roadways. Refer to products from your local National Weather Service office and the NOAA Weather Prediction Center for more information on the flooding hazard. A summary of rainfall totals compiled by the Weather Prediction Center can be found at: www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/discussions/nfdscc1.html

2. The flood threat has spread farther north and east, and additional rainfall accumulations of 3 to 6 inches with isolated amounts up to 10 inches are expected from southwestern Louisiana and the adjacent border of eastern Texas northeastward into western Kentucky through Friday. Please heed the advice of local officials, and refer to products from your local National Weather Service office and the NOAA Weather Prediction Center for more information on the flooding hazard in these areas.

3. The Weather Prediction Center will issue public advisories on Harvey as long as it remains a rainfall threat. These advisories can continue to be found on the National Hurricane Center website and at http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov.


FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS

INIT 31/0300Z 31.7N 92.3W 30 KT 35 MPH
12H 31/1200Z 32.8N 91.4W 25 KT 30 MPH...INLAND
24H 01/0000Z 34.5N 89.7W 25 KT 30 MPH...INLAND
36H 01/1200Z 35.9N 87.6W 25 KT 30 MPH...INLAND
48H 02/0000Z 37.0N 85.7W 20 KT 25 MPH...INLAND
72H 03/0000Z...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 graphic. 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.


Friday, September 8th at 1:00 pm

BUTTERFLY WALK AT HIGHLANDS BIOLOGICAL STATION

James T. Costa, Ph.D. will lead a free nature walk with an emphasis on butterflies at 1 pm Friday Sept. 8 at the Highlands Biological Station, 265 N. 6th St. Highlands. He is Director of the research station and a biology professor at Western Carolina University. For those who want to carpool from Franklin, we will meet at Bi-Lo's parking lot at 12:15 pm. Please email Renee at Rubinlive@gmail.com if you are interested so you may be informed of any changes due to weather.
In addition, Dr. Costa will speak at 6:30 pm Sept. 8 at City Lights in Sylva about his new book, Darwin's Backyard: How Small Experiments Led to a Big Theory.

The Future Farmers of America are selling Raffle Tickets
More information is posted below:

Support Franklin FFA (Future Farmers of America)
!!! RAFFLE TICKETS !!!!

$5.00 a ticket or 5 for $20.00

Winner announced & does not be present at The Macon County Fair 2017
September 13-16, 2017 at The Wayne Proffitt Agriculture Center - Macon County Fairgrounds, 1436 Georgia Rd, Franklin NC 28734
Raffle is for Adventure Package, valued at $300.00...

Items are:
1. Cargo Carrier ( donated by Ultimate Truck Accessories) - can be used atop an SUV/Van or rear hitch
2. Foldable Camp Chairs in Camo with Table
3. Burn Fire Log (Swedish Flame Torch)
4. Lighter
5. Heavy Duty Flashlight
6. "Over the flame" cooking basket
7. Roasting Sticks
8. Bug Spray

We thank Appalachian Ace Hardware for their support.

*All proceeds go to Franklin FFA & FHS Ag Dept*
Contact Gregory Charles Spala via FB or 813-838-7693 text or call
Or Lori Spala via FB or 813-503-2160


September 27th, WEDNESDAY

HOSPICE HOUSE FOUNDATION OF WNC

PEACEFUL JOURNEY
3rd annual charity dining event
hosted by RISTORANTE PAOLETTI at 440 Main Street in Highlands

For information, visit http://hhfwnc.org/peaceful-journey/


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 6:40 a.m.
Sunrise 7:06 a.m.
Sun transit 1:34 p.m.
Sunset 8:01 p.m.
End civil twilight 8:27 p.m.

Moon

Moonset 1:53 a.m.
Moonrise 4:16 p.m.
Moon transit 9:28 p.m.
Moonset 2:40 a.m. tomorrow morning

Phase of the Moon on August 31, 2017: Waxing Gibbous with 71% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
Closest Primary Moon Phase: First Quarter on August 29, 2017 at 4:13 a.m. (local daylight time)





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. 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 4:52 am on August 31, 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. 

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