October 29, 2020

1:15 PM Update

Cherokee Orchard and Roaring Fork roads have been reopened. Guests are still advised to utilize the Alum Cave Trail since streams in the area remain high, and more wind and rain is expected this evening and tomorrow morning.

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Good Morning,
Here is the latest in regards to Hurricane Zeta:

A High Wind Warning remains in effect until noon today. Sustained winds along the higher peaks of 20-30 mph with gusts upwards of 65 mph are possible during this time. A Flash Flood Watch remains in effect until 2:00 PM today as several inches of rain are expected with this storm, causing numerous creeks to swell along trails making passage dangerous.

US 441 (Newfound Gap Rd) remains open. All guests with reservations Thursday and Friday are advised to use Alum Cave Trail. Visitors should not use The Boulevard. Cherokee Orchard and Roaring Fork roads are closed due to the storm. NPS road maintenance crews will not evaluate the conditions of park roads until after the High Wind Warning has expired. Trails like Rainbow Falls, Bull Head, and Trillium Gap may not be accessible to visitors until Friday or Saturday. By that time any flood waters along those trails should have subsided.

There is the chance for a break in the rain this afternoon, but the backside of the storm will still produce rain bands that should sweep across the region again this evening and into Friday morning. It is possible a separate flood watch gets administered for tonight. Temps will remain mild in the 40s and 50s. Please notify the lodge and/or NPS of any downed trees or landslides discovered on trails or roads so that they can be addressed promptly.

Thank you and stay safe.