Great Smoky Mountains National Park closes roads ahead of Hurricane Helene

(This story has been updated with additional closures).

According to the National Park Service, Great Smoky Mountains National Park announced additional road closures and event cancellations to prepare for the arrival of Hurricane Helene's outer bands.

According to a Sept. 26 news release from the park service, the risk of flooding, high winds, fallen trees, landslides and power outages will be at its highest Thursday night into Friday. At some park locations, 10 to 12 centimeters of precipitation has already fallen.

The National Weather Service forecasts heavy rain through the end of the week and strong winds tonight through Friday. The park expects up to 10 inches of rain to fall through September 27th.

Around the national park, 3 to 5 inches of rain is forecast September 25-26 and another 3 to 5 inches of rain the evening of September 26 through September 27. Wind gusts of up to 70 miles per hour are possible.

Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are under a flash flood warning until 3:00 p.m. today and a flood warning until 2:00 p.m. September 27.

The park is asking visitors to alter their travel plans this week for their own safety and to reduce risk to emergency services.

Visitors should drive with extra care and check the weather before heading to the national park, park officials advise. Visitors should also prepare to change their plans given the possibility of further road closures.

Where is Hurricane Helene?Latest spaghetti models, forecast path and rain forecast for Tennessee

Road closures in Great Smoky Mountains National Park due to possible impacts from Hurricane Helene beginning September 26th

Newfound Gap Road/Highway 441 will be closed today at 2 p.m
In Tennessee: Rich Mountain Road, Greenbrier Road, Upper Tremont Road and Sparks Lane are closed.
The Sugarlands, Oconaluftee and Cades Cove visitor centers will close today until at least Saturday morning at 3 p.m. Reopening depends on weather and road conditions.
In North Carolina: Cataloochee Road, Heintooga Ridge Road, Balsam Mountain Road (Heintooga/Round Bottom/Straight Fork Road) are closed
Balsam Mountain Campground and Cataloochee Campground are closed.
Parson Branch Road remains closed due to the Flint Gap Fire, which was 95% contained as of September 24th.

Events have been canceled beginning September 26th due to potential impacts from Hurricane Helene

The Mountain Life Festival is canceled. It was scheduled for September 28th. The event's overflow parking lot will be closed to avoid resource damage.
Balsam Mountain Volunteer Day and Smokies Service Day have also been canceled. These events were scheduled for September 28th.
On October 19, park staff will offer cultural demonstrations related to the harvest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Visitors should check the park's website for road closures and other updates prior to their visit.

Devarrick Turner is a hot news reporter. e-mail [email protected]. On X, formerly known as Twitter @dturner1208.

Support strong local journalism by subscribing knoxnews.com/subscribe.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park closes roads ahead of Hurricane Helene

You may also like...

Recent Posts

Great Smoky Mountains National Park closes roads ahead of Hurricane Helene

You may also like...

NRL News: Cowboys react to Valentine Holmes' development following reports of move to Dragons

Police report from September 25: theft, drug possession, driving under the influence

Will Levis: Pick Six was “just a stupid move”

Recent Posts