If you were planning to visit Dollywood or ride the utility task vehicles (UTV) at WildSide this weekend, you’ll want to do a rain check before heading to the Smokies.
Hurricane Helene has strengthened to a major Category 3 storm and its remnants are expected to bring heavy rains and strong winds to East Tennessee over the next few days. Popular attractions in the Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg area are already implementing safety measures.
A flood watch and a high wind warning are in place for East Tennessee until the evening of Sept. 27, according to the National Weather Service on Sept. 26.
Thursday hurricane updates: Hurricane Helene brings rain, flooding and gusty winds to Knoxville
Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations due to excessive runoff is a primary concern, according to the NWS . Trees also are likely to fall because saturated soil and high winds.
The Pigeon Forge-Gatlinburg area could see up to an additional 2 inches of rain by the night of Sept. 27. Three to 6 inches of rain has fallen in the area over the past three days.