August 19, 2020

Good Morning,

Our stretch of sensational sunshine seems to be coming to an end. Cloud cover is fighting to take hold and spotty rain showers are slowly but surely moving into the region. The best opportunity for rainfall today will occur between lunch time and dusk before easing up overnight. Temps are starting off in the lower 50s and we’ll be lucky to get into the 60s today. Have the rain jackets handy in case a pop up storm sneaks up on the mountain this afternoon.

Travelers coming to the Smokies from the north should anticipate some delays this week and next for a handful of reasons. There are currently single lane closures on the Spur between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg for maintenance, happening Monday through Thursday. County schools are now back in session, so be mindful of reduced speeds and traffic backups in those school zones. Lastly, this weekend Pigeon Forge hosts its annual Jeep Invasion. Always smart to have alternate routes planned for reaching the mountain’s trailheads if you foresee any of these events lengthening your drive time.