March Snow Blankets the Great Smoky Mountains In Several Inches
A big March snow has blanketed the Great Smoky Mountains. Areas received anywhere from 3 inches to 8 inches of snow. Many roads have been closed due to the inclement weather. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge received quite a bit of snow last night. Hiking boats are out and snow boots are needed today! Friday had an air temperature of almost 70°. Today it has been in the low 20s and overnight it is predicted to be as low as 14°. Although snow in March is not a rare occurrence, the typical snowfall amount for East Tennessee in March is 1.2 inches. Over 3-4 inches of snow in March is out of the norm and a real treat for snow lovers.
Closures Due To Snow
March Snow in the Great Smoky Mountains
Opening day of Dollywood for the general public was canceled due to the snow and freezing temperatures. This is the first time Dollywood’s opening day was closed due to snow in 37 years! Some roads in the area are closed but many remain open with warnings to watch for snow and ice on the roadway. Cades Cove Loop Road is closed. US 441 (Newfound Gap Road) is closed due to this winter storm, snow, and ice.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Reported These Road Closures
Foothills Parkway West
U.S. Highway 441/Newfound Gap Road between Gatlinburg and Cherokee, North Carolina
Laurel Creek Road
Cherokee Orchard Road
Little River Road from Sugarland Visitor Center to Townsend Wye
Reported East Tennessee Business Closures for March 12
Dollywood
Zoo Knoxville
Knox County Public Library
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade scheduled for Saturday afternoon in Knoxville was canceled.
Great Smoky Mountains Guide Webcams Page
Check out Great Smoky Mountains Guide webcams page. There are some great views of snow scenes from across the mountains and nearby towns. Enjoy the views from these Great Smoky Mountains webcam links located in and around the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg, Cataloochee, Bryson City, Mount LeConte and many other locations in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park!
