Gatlinburg, TN – Strong winds continue to batter parts of East Tennessee, prompting the National Weather Service to maintain a High Wind Warning through 11 a.m. Thursday for the Smoky Mountain region.
According to the National Weather Service in Morristown, winds ranging from 20 to 40 mph are expected overnight with gusts reaching up to 70 mph across Blount, Cocke, and Sevier Smoky Mountains as well as Southeast Greene County. Cities including Gatlinburg, Elkmont, Cades Cove, Cedar Creek, and Hartford remain under the warning.
Officials warn of downed trees, power lines, and significant power outages across the area. High-profile vehicles, especially on mountain roads and parkways, could face serious travel hazards. Residents are urged to avoid travel unless necessary and remain in the lower levels of their homes, away from windows.
Power crews across the region are on standby, with emergency services advising residents to report outages promptly and secure outdoor objects. With strong wind events common in the region during seasonal transitions, this system is among the strongest April windstorms in recent years.
Drivers and hikers in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park should remain alert to falling limbs and closures. The warning is set to expire at 11 a.m. EDT Thursday.
