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Smokies Close Newfound Gap Road Tonight as Hurricane Isaias Approaches
U.S. 441 shuts at 8 p.m. Friday with gusts to 70 mph forecast. Balsam Mountain Campground closed at 5 p.m.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park closes U.S. 441, Newfound Gap Road, at 8 p.m. tonight because of strong winds expected from Hurricane Isaias and the risk of downed trees and debris. Balsam Mountain Campground closed at 5 p.m. The road crosses the Appalachian Trail at Newfound Gap.
The National Weather Service has a high wind warning for the area starting today, with gusts to 70 mph possible on the Tennessee side of the park and moderate rain parkwide. Isaias is forecast to come ashore on the northern Gulf Coast and then move across the Southeast this weekend; the National Hurricane Center has the current track and warnings.
Campers looking for an alternative to Balsam Mountain can use Smokemont or Deep Creek, which have sites available, the park says. Anyone heading into the backcountry or onto the AT this weekend should expect blowdown on trails and roads and check the park's current conditions page before going; the park has not said when the road will reopen.
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