You are here

Home » High Wind Warning Prompts Great Smoky Mountains NP To Close Roads

High Wind Warning Prompts Great Smoky Mountains NP To Close Roads

Share
By Compiled From N... - March 30th, 2022

A high wind warning prompted many roads across Great Smoky Mountains National Park to close Wednesday morning/NPS webcam

Warnings of winds gusting to perhaps 90 mph prompted several roads across Great Smoky Mountains National Park to be closed Wednesday.

Newfound Gap Road, Cades Cove Loop Road, Foothills Parkway West (from Chilhowee Lake to Wears Valley), and Foothills Parkway East all were to close Wednesday morning, while Little River Road, Wear Cove Gap Road, Laurel Creek Road, Cherokee Orchard Road, and Tremont Road were to begin closing at noon, a park release said.

The decision to close the roads came after the National Weather Service issued a high wind warning for the mountains to run from 8 a.m. Wednesday through 6 a.m. Thursday. Officials anticipated sustained winds between 40-50 mph, with gusts up to 90 mph in the mountains.

The high winds were anticipated to affect primarily the Tennessee side of the park. Road closures may occur earlier than expected and additional roads may close as conditions warrant, the park release said.

Once the high wind warning expires, park crews would be dispatched to assess damage and begin clearing roads as needed for reopening. Hikers were advised to avoid hiking during this time period across the park, particularly in areas with standing dead trees. Park visitor centers, campgrounds, and picnic areas were to remain open. Due to dry conditions and damaging winds, the risk of fire danger is increased. 

For up-to-date information about road closures, follow SmokiesRoadsNPS on Twitter. You also can use the park's webcams to view conditions across the park, including from Clingmans Dome, Look Rock, and Purchase Knob.

Support National Parks Traveler

National Parks Traveler is a small, editorially independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit media organization. The Traveler is not part of the federal government nor a corporate subsidiary. Your support helps ensure the Traveler's news and feature coverage of national parks and protected areas endures. 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.