High winds in the Smokies expected today can cause problems for hikers

The past few days storms and high winds have caused trees and branches to fall in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park hiking trails and weakened others which may fall during today’s predicted high winds.

Hikers in the Smokies should keep their eyes open if hiking especially during the high winds by looking to see if there are snags above the trail and remain cautious or avoiding walking under or near snags, dead or damaged trees.

Wind gust speeds are expected to hit 30 mph or more on the Tennessee side and up to 40 mph on the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.