High Wind Warning for the Great Smokies

While much of the midwest and northeast are expecting heavy snow over the next day or so, wind will be the big story in the Smokies. The national park posted this High Wind Warning on their website this morning:

The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning for the mountains of east Tennessee from this evening through tomorrow morning. Wind gusts in excess of 50-60 mph are forecast and some gusts may exceed 70 mph.

The warning includes the mountain areas of east Tennessee, southwest North Carolina and southwest Virginia.

Hikers and campers should pay particular attention to this warning. The main concern during a high wind event is falling branches and trees, espcially from all the dead and dying trees in the Smokies.

I should also point out that the park still has this warning posted on their site:

Snow/ice Warning - snow and ice accumulations are present on backcountry trails, especially at high elevation. Ice crampons/grippers for boots are recommended.

If you're planning to visit the park over the next day or two, you may want to check in with the park website, or call 865-436-1200, to find out about any road closures.

To keep up with the latest weather conditions and forecasts, please click here.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com