Newfound Gap Road through Smokies reopens after closure for high winds
U.S. 441/Newfound Gap Road between Gatlinburg and Cherokee, North Carolina, running through Great Smoky Mountains National Park, has reopened to traffic a day after being closed because of the threat of high winds, the Smokies Road Info Twitter account announced the morning of Feb. 28.
EARLIER: High wind warning in Smokies forces closure of major road
The threat of high wind gusts has prompted the closure of U.S. 441/Newfound Gap Road, between Gatlinburg and Cherokee, North Carolina on Feb. 27. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park Service will advise when the major route through the mountains will re-open.
A high wind warning of gusts up to 70 miles per hour has been issued by the National Weather Service from 10 a.m. until midnight.
Windy conditions are expected to be an issue throughout the day, with southwest winds of 25 to 40 mph expected. Higher gusts between 60-70 mph are likely at the highest mountain peaks.
Windy conditions can be expected today. Gusts of 40-50 mph will be possible at times, with gusts in the Smoky Mountains reaching 60-70 mph. Secure loose objects this morning, as winds will likely increase quickly around 10 am to noon EST. #mrxwx #tnwx pic.twitter.com/COcmMEttFk
— NWS Morristown (@NWSMorristown) February 27, 2023
“Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles,” a release from the NWS Morristown office warned.
It is advised to secure loose objects as soon as possible. Winds will likely increase quickly around 10 a.m.- noon.
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Cocke Smoky Mountains, Blount Smoky Mountains and Sevier Smoky Mountains counties could see the highest wind impacts.
Up-to-date weather information can be found at weather.gov/mrx and GSMNP road status updates are shared on the @SmokiesRoadsNPS Twitter account.
Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter for Knox News. He can be reached by email at devarrick.turner@knoxnews.com. Follow Devarrick on Twitter @dturner1208. Enjoy exclusive content and premium perks while supporting strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Newfound Gap Road through Smokies reopens after closure for high winds
