High Winds Warning Close Campgrounds Tonight
High Wind Warning Close Campgrounds tonight in the Great Smoky Mountains. The National Weather Service issued a High Wind Warning for Blount County this afternoon. The warning lasts until Sunday morning at 5:00 am. Due to high wind conditions that are expected to continue overnight the park service has had to close several campgrounds and several roads in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Elkmont campground and Cades Cove Campground are both closed. Little River Road and Laurel Creek Road have also been closed due to downed trees as a result of the high winds and rain.
High Wind Warning Closes Campgrounds and Roads
This is a busy time of year for the park due to the fall foliage season with colors at or near peak. Rangers assisted with the closure and evacuation of Elkmont Campground to insure a safe and orderly closure. The area is not deemed safe overnight with high winds and possible rising water in the streams and rivers. There are reports of downed trees in the area. Campers in the Cades Cove Campground are being allowed to stay but new arrivals will not be allowed access to the area.
During the day today, the area reported sustained winds of 30mph with gusts up to 50mph. Overnight the winds are expected to grow even stronger due to a front moving across the mountains. The main road through the Great Smoky Mountains, Newfound Gap Road, is also closed due to downed trees. All roads will remain closed until the high wind warning expires at 5:00 am Sunday morning. But then staff will have to access the roads for damage and cleanup. Hikers are also cautioned against hiking until after the warning expires due to safety reasons. High winds, heavy rain and the risk of fallen trees would make hiking in the area dangerous. Many park facilities in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee are closed. Travelers to the area should stay up to date on the weather conditions and the warnings and plan accordingly.
Here is a copy of the High Wind Warning that was put out for Blount County, Tennessee this afternoon…
High Wind Warning
Blount County, Tennessee
Start: 3:10 PM EDT October 26, 2019
DETAILSEnd: 5:10 AM EDT October 27, 2019
TNZ018-041-043-045-047-072-074-087-270315- /O.CON.KMRX.HW.W.0010. 000000T0000Z-191027T0900Z/ Johnson-Cocke Smoky Mountains-Southeast Greene-Unicoi- Southeast Carter-Blount Smoky Mountains-Sevier Smoky Mountains- Southeast Monroe- Including the cities of Doeville, Mountain City, Neva, Shady Valley, Trade, Laurel Bloomery, Hartford, Cedar Creek, Erwin, Unicoi, Limestone Cove, Hampton, Cades Cove, Elkmont, Gatlinburg, Citico, and Coker Creek 301 PM EDT Sat Oct 26 2019 …HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM EDT SUNDAY… * WHAT…Southeast to south winds increasing to 25 to 45 mph with gusts in excess of 65 mph expected at times mainly over some of the higher elevations and foothills. * WHERE…Far east Tennessee mountains and adjacent foothills. * WHEN…This afternoon through 5 AM EDT Sunday. * IMPACTS…Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive.
