GATLINBURG, Tenn. – A potent early-season winter storm is blanketing the Great Smoky Mountains with heavy snow and fierce winds, creating treacherous travel conditions from Monday into early Tuesday. Snow totals could exceed a foot near Mount LeConte and Newfound Gap, while foothill towns like Gatlinburg and Erwin see several inches by sunrise Tuesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Morristown, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 7 a.m. EST Tuesday for the Blount, Sevier, Cocke, Unicoi, and Southeast Greene County highlands. Most areas will receive 4 to 8 inches, but the highest peaks could accumulate 10 to 15 inches, driven by strong northwest winds gusting up to 40 mph.
Forecasters warn that the combination of heavy snow and strong gusts will lead to blowing and drifting, especially along Newfound Gap Road (US 441) and Cherokee Orchard Road, where whiteout conditions may occur at times. The Tennessee Department of Transportation advises avoiding travel through the park and mountain passes until conditions improve.
Residents and visitors are urged to prepare for power outages and dangerous wind chills in exposed ridges. Keep emergency supplies in vehicles and dress in layers if venturing outdoors. The snow is expected to taper before daybreak Tuesday, but subfreezing temperatures will keep roads slick through the morning commute.
