KNOXVILLE — Four days after a powerful winter storm swept through the region, thousands of residents in south central Kentucky and north central Tennessee remain without power, as temperatures continue to stay well below freezing.

Road conditions also remain hazardous, particularly on secondary and rural routes, complicating both travel and recovery efforts. Electric utilities continue restoration work, but infrastructure damage is extensive, and officials warn that full restoration may take considerable time.

Disaster response truck; image by Salvation Army

In response to the ongoing crisis, The Salvation Army of Kentucky & Tennessee has established a dedicated Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) team in the hardest-hit areas. The deployment includes four mobile kitchen units from Sevierville, Paducah, Louisville, and Knoxville, which will serve communities across seven counties.

Due to the severity of the storm and anticipated widespread impacts, including potential delays in emergency response, winter recreation in the park during this storm is discouraged. If you are planning to visit, please stay informed: check the weather and current conditions before heading into the park. 

Even if conditions appear safe near Gatlinburg or Cherokee, higher-elevation roads often include steep grades and sharp curves that quickly become dangerous in winter weather. At the park’s tallest peaks, temperatures drop swiftly and precipitation is much more frequent and heavier.

Planned road closures

Closing Jan. 23 at 7 p.m.
• US 441/Newfound Gap Road (between Gatlinburg, TN and Cherokee, NC)
• Lakeview Drive

Closing Jan. 24 at 10 a.m.
• Little River Road
• Laurel Creek Road
• Cades Cove Loop Road
• All sections of Foothills Parkway
• Tom Branch Road
• Wear Cove Gap Road
• Cherokee Orchard Road at the park boundary
• Cosby Entrance Road
• Greenbrier Road
• Big Creek Road

Cataloochee roads are already closed. Additional road closures may occur as needed. Visitors should always check the park website for up-to-date road conditions before traveling or their X account @GreatSmokyNPS.

Campground and facility closures

• All frontcountry campgrounds will close at 10 a.m. on Jan. 24 and remain closed through at least Jan. 25. Reservations for those days will be refunded.
• Backcountry camping is discouraged this weekend. Any visitors with backcountry reservations for Jan. 24-26 are encouraged to call the Backcountry Office at 865-436-1297 for a refund.
• Cable Mill Visitor Center will be closed on Jan. 24.

Visitor Safety

On any winter day in the park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park staff urge visitors to prioritize safety and preparedness: 

For hikers:
• Be aware of abrupt weather changes and the danger of hypothermia.
• Carry ample food, water, and reliable rain gear.
• Layer clothing that provides warmth when wet (avoid cotton).
• Expect sudden changes at higher elevations, including rain, snow, temperature and wind.
• Know your limits.

For Drivers

• Reduce speed and avoid sudden braking.
• Leave extra space between vehicles.
• Use lower gears or brake gently to slow down.