GATLINBURG, Tenn. (WATE) — Many areas of Great Smoky Mountains National Park are closed and park officials are strongly urging visitors to reschedule their trips with several inches of rain predicted from Helene predicted to fall on the region.
Some areas of the park have already received 4-5 inches of rainfall since Wednesday. Another 4-5 inches is predicted on the Tennessee side and 6-9 inches on the North Carolina side of the park through Friday, according to a park release. Winds could reach 80 mph in higher elevations.
Severe weather causes closures in East Tennessee
Newfound Gap Road from Gatlinburg to Cherokee, North Carolina closed at 2 p.m. Thursday. Sugarlands, Oconaluftee and Cades Cove visitor centers closed Thursday at 3 p.m. through at least Saturday morning, weather and road conditions permitting.
No access is permitted past any closed gates. While sections of the park may remain open, the park strongly urges visitors to check weather forecasts and reschedule their visits.