Evacuations underway in Great Smoky Mountains National Park as weather worsens
Evacuations were underway in Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Saturday as fierce winds grew even stronger and flooding from storms remained a threat. Rangers warned hikers to avoid all areas of the park.
Sustained winds of about 30 mph and gusts up to 50 mph tore across the Tennessee side of the mountains and were expected to intensify Saturday night into Sunday, according to a park news release.
The winds toppled trees, closing Newfound Gap Road, Laurel Creek Road and Cades Cove Loop Road.
The roads were to stay closed at least until a high wind warning expires at 5 a.m. Sunday, officials said. Only then will crews check damage and begin clearing the roads, according to the release.
Hikers were told to stay away at least until the warning expires, “particularly in areas with standing dead trees,” the release said.
Saturday afternoon, rangers helped campers in Elkmont Campground evacuate while also closing Little River Road and Cades Cove Campground.
As of 5 p.m., those already at Cades Cove were being allowed to stay but incoming campers were being barred, officials said.
Visitor centers, picnic areas and other campgrounds remained open, but visitors were urged to “exercise extreme caution” when making travel plans through Sunday morning, according to the release.
About 11.3 million people visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park each year, more visitors than any other U.S. park, according to National Geographic magazine.
The park, stretching through parts of eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina, is known for its wildlife, particularly its black bears, as well as its wildflowers, fall leaves and outdoor adventures. People enjoy everything from rafting its rivers to hiking its 150 trails, according to VisitMySmokies.com.
This story was originally published October 26, 2019 at 5:16 PM.