Gatlinburg, Tennessee – Damaging mountain winds are expected to sweep across the Smoky Mountains beginning Saturday night, creating a serious threat of downed trees, power outages, and hazardous travel through Sunday evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Morristown, a High Wind Warning is in effect from Saturday evening through Sunday evening for the Smoky Mountain region of East Tennessee. Southeast winds will increase to 20 to 30 mph, with widespread gusts reaching 60 mph. At the highest elevations, including areas near Cove Mountain and exposed ridgelines, isolated gusts could surge as high as 80 mph.
The strongest winds will impact Blount, Cocke, and Sevier County mountain zones, including Gatlinburg, Cades Cove, Elkmont, Hartford, and surrounding foothill communities. Southeast Greene, Unicoi, Southeast Carter, and Southeast Monroe counties are also included in the warning. Saturated ground conditions combined with powerful gusts increase the likelihood of uprooted trees and downed power lines.
Travel will be especially dangerous for high-profile vehicles along mountain roads such as U.S. 441 through Great Smoky Mountains National Park and other exposed routes. Falling limbs and debris may lead to sudden road closures and power interruptions, particularly overnight Saturday into Sunday morning.
Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor items, avoid parking near trees, and remain indoors during peak wind periods. Officials recommend staying on lower levels of homes, avoiding windows, and using caution if travel is unavoidable.
Winds are expected to gradually weaken Sunday evening, but additional advisories may be issued if conditions intensify. Power restoration efforts could be slowed in higher elevations due to difficult access and lingering gusts.
