May 18, 2013
A Local 8 Weather Alert has been issued for today. Because of the threat of rain, thunder and even hail, outdoor activities may be disrupted or inconvenienced. What's going on? An upper-level low will be moving across East Tennessee today, creating a more unstable atmosphere.
GATLINBURG, Tenn. (WVLT) -- In a change from the norm, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has decided to open Clingmans Dome Road to visitors starting Friday.
The road is a popular high elevation destination and typically closes in winter months because of a threat for winter weather. The park plans to open the road to traffic as weather conditions allow as early as February 15.
The park plans to monitor the road for dangerous conditions and will close it if the weather turns bad.
The park says milder temperatures over this season have allowed for better access to the road for visitors wanting to see Clingmans Dome.
For the most current road closure information, please call 865-436-1200 x 631 or follow SmokiesRoadsNPS on Twitter.
