Tropical Storm Helene has caused the Blue Ridge Parkway in Western North Carolina to close entirely, affecting local travel and tourism. Recovery efforts are ongoing with external support, and reopening may extend into the fall season.
Tropical Storm Helene has significantly impacted Western North Carolina by closing the Blue Ridge Parkway, the region’s most renowned roadway. Following the storm’s passage, the National Park Service has reported that all 252 miles of the parkway, which stretches from the Virginia state line to the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, are closed as crews work diligently to clear fallen trees, debris, and assess the extent of the damage. In response to the storm’s aftermath, approximately 100 park service employees from 22 states, as well as the District of Columbia, have been deployed to assist local staff in recovery efforts. The Blue Ridge Parkway serves not only as a vital local route for residents but also as a popular attraction, drawing nearly 16.8 million visitors last year, who contributed around $1.4 billion to the surrounding communities through tourism. While sections of the parkway in Virginia remain accessible up to Shenandoah National Park, officials anticipate that parts of the road in North Carolina may remain closed for an extended period, potentially extending into the fall foliage season, a time known for heavy traffic. Conversely, U.S. 441, also recognized as Newfound Gap Road, which traverses the Great Smoky Mountains National Park connecting Cherokee and Gatlinburg, has reopened, albeit with restrictions on commercial vehicle access through the park.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a critical highway that is revered not only for its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities but also for its importance to local communities in western North Carolina. Following Tropical Storm Helene, the National Park Service faces the daunting task of clearing extensive debris and beginning road restoration. The Parkway’s shutdown affects both local traffic and the substantial tourist revenue it generates, underscoring its significance to the region.
The aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene has resulted in the closure of the Blue Ridge Parkway across its entire length in North Carolina, creating a significant disruption for both residents and tourists. Recovery efforts are underway, with the National Park Service actively involving personnel from surrounding states to expedite clearing and restoration. Notably, as recovery progresses, the Parkway’s reopening timeline remains uncertain, particularly as the region approaches a peak tourist season.
Original Source: www.newsobserver.com
