This story has been updated to include information about roads reopening.
U.S. 441/Newfound Gap Road between Gatlinburg and Cherokee, North Carolina and several other roads within Great Smoky Mountains National Park are closed to traffic due to snow and ice. And more snow is on the way.
Snow fell in parts of East Tennessee earlier this week and a winter storm will hit the area again Jan. 10. The region will be under a winter storm watch from Friday morning through Saturday morning, according to the National Weather Service. Three to seven inches of snow is expected.
Major roads through the Smokies either remain closed due to snow and ice on the ground or have closed in preparation for additional precipitation.
Little River Road/Fighting Creek Gap Road between Sugarlands Visitor Center and Metcalf Bottoms reopened around 1:30 p.m. Jan. 8. Foothills Parkway West and Gatlinburg Bypass also were open as of 3:45 p.m. Jan. 8.
The Jan. 10 winter storm could make traveling difficult and hazardous, the NWS warns. Drivers should consider delaying all travel.
If you must travel, “drive with extreme caution. Consider taking a winter storm kit along with you, including such items as tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets and extra clothing,” NWS suggests in the Jan 8 winter storm watch statement. Also have water, a first aid kit, and anything else needed in case you become stranded.
