Winter weather caused the closure of Newfound Gap Road and Foothills Parkway West in the Great Smoky Mountains on Friday at 8 a.m. These important routes link Gatlinburg, TN, to Cherokee, NC. The closures are due to snow, with more winter weather, including freezing rain and sleet, expected in East Tennessee on Sunday, as reported by Knox News.
Newfound Gap, with elevations over 5,000 feet, faces major traffic risks during snowfall, with conditions too dangerous for plow trucks, according to the National Park Service.
While a few inches of snow are expected on the highest peaks, East Tennessee saw light snow clearing on Friday afternoon, but a winter mix is forecast for the weekend, as mentioned by WBIR.
The closure of scenic drives in the Great Smoky Mountains is a precautionary measure due to inclement weather, with park authorities prioritizing safety amid slick conditions caused by snow cover. There is no official word from the National Park Service on when the roads will reopen. Travelers and locals are advised to download the WVLT First Alert Weather app for real-time weather updates and forecasts to stay informed.
