Great Smoky Mountains National Park closes roads ahead of Hurricane Helene

According to the National Park Service, road closures and event cancellations are expected in Great Smoky Mountains National Park beginning at sunset on September 25 in preparation for the impacts of Hurricane Helene.

The National Weather Service is forecasting heavy rains through the end of the week and strong winds Thursday night into Friday. The park is expecting up to 10 inches of rain from September 25-27, according to a Sept. 25 NPS news release.

The rain forecast for the national park is for 3 to 5 inches of rain on September 25 and 26, with another 3 to 5 inches on the evening of September 26 and September 27. Wind gusts of up to 70 mph are possible from the night of September 26 through the next morning.

A flash flood warning is in effect for Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park until 7:15 p.m. on September 25.

Visitors should drive with extra caution and check the weather before heading to the national park, park officials advise. Visitors should also be prepared to change their plans as additional road closures may occur.

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

Road closures due to possible impacts of Hurricane Helene from September 25

Rich Mountain Road and Balsam Mountain Road (Heintooga/Round Bottom/Straight Fork Road) from the Heintooga Picnic Area to the park boundary will be closed at sunset on September 25.
Heintooga Ridge Road will be closed on September 26
Balsam Mountain Campground will be closed on September 26. Park staff is in contact with campers.
Parson Branch Road remains closed due to the Flint Gap Fire, which was 95% contained as of September 24.

Events cancelled due to possible impacts of Hurricane Helene starting September 25

The Mountain Life Festival has been cancelled. It was scheduled for September 28th.
To avoid property damage, the event’s overflow parking lot will be closed.
On October 19, harvest-related cultural demonstrations will be offered by park staff from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

No further closures were planned as of the afternoon of September 25, but visitors should check the park’s website for road closures and other updates before visiting.

Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email [email protected]On X, formerly known as Twitter @dturner1208.

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park closes roads ahead of Hurricane Helene

ByJasper

Road closures due to possible impacts of Hurricane Helene from September 25

Events cancelled due to possible impacts of Hurricane Helene starting September 25

By Jasper

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