December 25, 2020

Good Morning and Merry Christmas everyone!

It’s been an eventful start to the holiday. Here’s where we stand currently...

​*Currently 12” of snow and still coming down. Overnight low of -3°. Winter is here!
*US 441 (Newfound Gap Rd) and Cherokee Orchard Rd remain closed due to ice, snow, downed trees, high winds, and just outright dangerous conditions. No ETA on when the park hopes to have any or all of these roads back open, but these closures could last well into the weekend.
*A WIND CHILL ADVISORY remains in effect until 4:00 AM Saturday. Wind chills as low as -20° are expected because of the frigid temperatures and high sustained winds upwards of 30 mph. The threat of falling trees, especially under the weight of ice and snow, remains very high.
*The region remains under a WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY until 4:00 PM this evening, as lingering snow could continue to fall on the mountain. By Saturday clearer skies should return, but that doesn’t mean the park will suddenly become accessible. Cleanup inside the park and our gateway communities that were hard hit Christmas Eve will take time to remedy and make safe for travel.

Stay warm, stay safe, and enjoy the holiday season as best as you can.