North Carolina’s Ashville.As officials prepare for Hurricane Helene’s high winds, flooding, and heavy rain, the National Park Service (NPS) is closing a large portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville and Western North Carolina beginning on September 25.
The closures, according to the NPS, occur ahead of what meteorologists refer to as a precursor rainfall event, which is predicted to drop several inches of water prior to the hurricane’s major affect. There will be closures on some high-risk sections of the 469-mile picturesque highway that connects Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Forecast Calls for Heavy Rain and Flood Threats
According to the National Weather Services, Asheville may receive two to three inches of rain starting on Wednesday night and an additional one and a half inches on Friday, September 27. Rockslides and falling trees are more likely when wind gusts approach 50 mph.
In certain areas of the Southern Appalachians, rainfall rates could surpass two inches per hour, causing life-threatening flooding and shutting off communities if bridges or roads are damaged, according to AccuWeather’s Chief Meteorologist Jon Porter.
Specific Sections Closing
The following areas will see complete closures by the NPS:
-
Milepost 314 375.6:
From north of Linville Falls to Ox Creek -
Milepost 393 455:
From the N.C. 191/French Broad overlook to Soco Gap
For the time being, the Asheville commuter zone near the North Carolina Arboretum, which is located between Ox Creek Road at MP 375 and MP 393.
Until the storm is over and staff have had a chance to inspect and repair any damage, the closures will stay in place.
Campgrounds and Facilities Impacted
Important park amenities will also be impacted by the storm preparation:
-
Linville Falls Campground
(MP 316.4) and
Pisgah Campground
(MP 408.8) will shut down Sept. 26. Reservation holders will be notified. - Visitor centers at Linville Falls, Craggy Gardens, and Waterrock Knob will close.
-
Pisgah Inn
will stay open with access via both N.C. 151 and U.S. 276.
The Parkway’s steep gradients and small shoulders make driving dangerous in heavy weather, thus visitors are advised to use extreme caution when approaching open areas.
Staying Updated
The NPS will disseminate updates via its official website and Facebook, Instagram, and X social media accounts.
Are you getting ready for Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina? Tell us about your storm experiences and safety advice in the comments section of SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
