GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK - Updated 10:05 p.m. 10/14/14 ... Campers were temporarily evacuated from 149 sites at Elkmont Campground Tuesday evening due to rising waters brought on by heavy rainfall, according to National Park spokesperson Dana Soehn. WBIR reported that Elkmont reopened at 9:15 p.m. tonight and campers were allowed to return to their sites.
Heavy rains and wind that came through the area have downed trees and created a mess in the Smokies. Soehn said Clingman's Dome saw four inches of rain on Tuesday and winds reached 89 miles per hour at one point. According to GSMNP Info., Cades Cove Loop Road and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail will open late tomorrow for storm cleanup.
As of 9:23 p.m. Tuesday evening, Hwy. 441/Newfound Gap Road between Cherokee and Gatlinburg was open to all traffic. Parsons Branch Road, Rich Mountain Road and Balsam Mountain/Heintooga Ridge Road were closed due to downed trees and Clingman's Dome Road and Sparks Lane were closed due to areas of high water. Construction delays can be expected on Hwy. 441/Newfound Gap Road from the Chimneys to Alum Cave.
Even with the rain and wind slowing down, Park visitors should be on the lookout for falling branches or trees throughout the night and exercise caution near streams and rivers.
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