September 16, 2020

Good Morning,

The clouds held firm to the mountain top yesterday with only the occasional view out into the valley. Temps remained mild in the upper 50s. We’re beginning today sightly cooler but with less cloud cover. Only a slight chance of an afternoon shower, otherwise a decent day of calm before the storm.

Hurricane Sally is currently making its US landfall as a category 2 storm. The latest projections have the heart of the storm staying south of the Smokies, but the outer bands still have the potential to drop heavy localized rainfall across our region late tonight through Friday. Given how Mt. LeConte has already received a surplus of precip for the year, a steady 1-2” of rain across these next couple days poses the risk of localized flooding. Upper elevation winds are not expected to be intense at this time.

Guests are being encouraged to utilize the Alum Cave Trail until after the storm has passed. Trails such as Rainbow Falls, Bull Head, and Trillium Gap have numerous unbridged crossings and wet-weather drainages that can become hazardous during times of heavy or steady rainfall. Alum Cave, with its numerous bridges, cables, and shortest distance provides visitors the best option during such conditions.

We will continue to provide updates regarding Sally and its possible affects on the Smokies. Have a great day.