GATLINBURG, Tenn. – Strong southerly winds are sweeping across the mountains and foothills of East Tennessee early Sunday, with gusts near 55 mph expected in the Smokies before gradually subsiding this afternoon. The National Weather Service in Morristown said a Wind Advisory remains in effect until 2 p.m. EDT Sunday for much of the eastern part of the state, including Sevier, Blount, Unicoi, Johnson, and Scott counties.
According to the Weather Service, sustained south winds of 15 to 30 mph will strengthen overnight and persist through late morning, producing the most intense gusts along exposed ridges and high passes such as Newfound Gap and Clingmans Dome. Lower elevations, including LaFollette, Mountain City, and Erwin, can expect gusts up to 45 mph.
Forecasters warned that tree limbs may be blown down, and isolated power outages could occur where lines are struck. The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency urged residents to secure outdoor furniture, decorations, and trash bins ahead of dawn. Motorists on U.S. 441 through Great Smoky Mountains National Park and I-40 near the North Carolina border should exercise caution in crosswinds.
According to the National Weather Service, winds will ease by midafternoon as a cold front moves east, leaving cooler, calmer weather for the start of the workweek.
