November 11, 2022

Good Morning,

​Tropical Depression Nicole has been impacting the Smokies since yesterday evening with high winds and scattered rain. As of last night, US 441 (Newfound Gap Rd) has been temporarily closed because of the conditions. The Wind Advisory remains in effect until 1:00 PM this afternoon, so it is unlikely the NPS will reopen the road prior. Visitors still have access to Rainbow Falls and Trillium Gap trails out of Cherokee Orchard and Roaring Fork at this time. Overnight guests who require several hours to ascend the mountain are not advised to wait and see if US 441 reopens soon, as there is little daylight during the afternoon hours since the time change. Getting as many miles in with adequate daylight is in one’s best interest this time of year.

The mountains are helping to break apart some of the rain bands as they cycle up from the south, but several inches of rain are still being forecast for our region all day and into tomorrow. Winds will continue to be gusty and temps mild in the 40s and 50s. Tomorrow afternoon is when the thermometer will plummet. It’s possible some lingering precip will briefly transition over to snow showers, but even at our elevation little to accumulation is expected. The rest of the weekend is going to be quite chilly up top with single digit windchills, even when the sunshine returns.

Beginning Sunday, overnight guests will once again be served supper at 6:00 PM. This still leaves everyone with plenty of time to enjoy sunset before supper and make the short trek back down to the dining hall. This will be the last service time change of the season, and all other gift shop and guest beverage hours remain the same these final twelve days of the season.

Be safe out there and have a great day. A special thank you to all the veterans on this national holiday, whose service to our country is so greatly appreciated.