Sunday, January 18, 2009

Freezing rain and snow closes roads in the Great Smoky Mountains national park

While today's slightly warmer temperatures in the Smoky Mountains may be a welcome relief to some, the light freezing rain and snow is making local roads treacherous stranding motorists and closing US 441 - Newfound Gap Road in the Great Smoky Mountains national park and The Foothills Parkway East which connects I-40 and State Road 321 in Cosby Tennessee.

Road conditions were so bad today a stretches of I-40 and I-81 were closed and yesterday a section of I-75 was closed due to icy conditions which caused numerous vehicular accidents.

Drivers must remain cautious on roads that are open as dangerous icy conditions can appear suddenly on bridges and overpasses. Bridges and overpasses tend to be become slippery far sooner than surrounding sections of roadways as the cold air underneath the roadway can cause these areas to freeze rapidly.

Snow and freezing roan is predicted today as well as on Monday and Tuesday which could keep Newfound Gap Road and the Foothills Parkway closed for the next few days or subject to closing daily.

No comments: