A forecast of gale force winds — including 80 mph gusts — has prompted the National Park Service to close camp grounds and most roads in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
National Park Service photo
A forecast of gale force winds — including 80 mph gusts — has prompted the National Park Service to close camp grounds and most roads in Great Smoky Mountains National Park along the North Carolina-Tennessee border.
Drivers in the mountains are advised to use extreme caution and hiking should be avoided, park officials said in a news release.
Dangerous winds were forecast to arrive midday Monday, Nov. 20, and worsen through the night into Tuesday, the National Weather Service says. A 100% chance of rain is forecast for Tuesday.
“South to southeast winds across the higher elevations and foothills will increase to between 25 and 50 mph Monday afternoon, then gusts will increase to between 40 and 70 mph Monday night. Up to 80 mph gusts will be possible,” forecasters say.
“Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.”
Among the park closures:
- The Elkmont and Cades Cove campgrounds
- Newfound Gap (Highway 441 from Sugarlands Visitor Center to Smokemont Campground)
- Clingmans Dome Road
- Cherokee Orchard Road and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
- Foothills Parkway between Walland and Wears Valley
- Little River Road between the Townsend Wye to Sugarlands Visitor Center
- Laurel Creek Road and Cades Cove Loop Road
- Cataloochee Road
- Lakeview Drive
Among the roads remaining open are Gatlinburg Bypass, Foothills Parkway West (from Look Rock to Highway 129) and The Spur, park officials said.
The high winds will also heighten the risk of wildfires, resulting in a red flag warning and burn ban for the Smokies, officials said.
“Campgrounds, facilities and roads will remain closed until the high wind and red flag warnings have expired and park rangers can assess roads and facilities,” park officials said.
“The National Park Service will issue an afternoon update on Tuesday, November 21 on the status of campgrounds and roads in the park.”
For the latest on the closures, visit NPS.gov/grsm.