Weather
Smoky Mountains Wind Warning: 70 MPH Gusts Through Sunday Oct 11
Gatlinburg, TN – Damaging winds could reach 70 mph across portions of the southern Appalachian Mountains on Saturday, threatening trees, power lines and travel through Sunday morning. Forecasters warn
By Cameron Hayes · 2026-10-10T14:50:49.292Z
Gatlinburg, TN – Damaging winds could reach 70 mph across portions of the southern Appalachian Mountains on Saturday, threatening trees, power lines and travel through Sunday morning. Forecasters warn that widespread power outages are expected in affected areas of eastern Tennessee, southwestern North Carolina and southwestern Virginia.
According to the National Weather Service in Morristown, Tennessee, a High Wind Warning remains in effect until 8 a.m. EDT Sunday, Oct. 11 , with the strongest winds expected across higher mountain elevations.
East winds of 20 to 35 mph are forecast, with gusts reaching 70 mph in some locations.
The warning covers portions of the Great Smoky Mountains and eastern Tennessee mountain communities, including areas around Gatlinburg, Cades Cove, Elkmont, Hartford, Erwin, Mountain City and Ducktown.
In southwestern North Carolina, Cherokee and Clay counties are included, affecting communities such as Murphy, Andrews, Hayesville and Brasstown.
The warning also extends into Russell and Washington counties in southwestern Virginia, including Bristol, Abingdon, Lebanon and Honaker.
The National Weather Service warns that damaging winds could bring down trees and power lines, with widespread power outages expected.
The agency says the weather pattern is particularly favorable for strong winds along the eastern Tennessee mountains and foothills.
Lower elevation locations are expected to experience less severe impacts, although conditions may vary considerably across the warning area.
Travel could become difficult, especially for drivers operating high profile vehicles such as tractor trailers, buses and recreational vehicles.
Residents should secure outdoor furniture, trash containers, decorations and other loose objects before stronger gusts develop.
People traveling through mountain passes or visiting the Smoky Mountains should remain alert for falling branches, debris and potentially blocked roads.
Downed power lines should be avoided and reported to the appropriate utility provider.
The High Wind Warning is scheduled to expire at 8 a.m. EDT Sunday , but residents should continue monitoring National Weather Service updates for any changes.