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Eastern Band of Cherokee
Victorious In Bid To Restore
Original Clingmans Dome Name
Credit: North Carolina Public Radio
Arts & Crafts Community Suffers Losses as Heavy Rain Inundates Area
Gatlinburg, TN- Strong storms swept through the area on Sunday dumping as much as 5 inches of rain in some areas. Multiple Arts and Crafts businesses, specifally those at the Smoky Mountains Arts and Crafts Village had inches of water and mud flowing into their stores,
We spoke with some business owners on Thursday which stated their stores would need to be completely gutted, while others would need to just remove sections of drywall closer to the floor. So for some shop owners this flooding event will mark the end of their businesses for the forseeable future.
Two things became immediately clear upon discussions with the owners: 1- this was the worst flooding the village had ever experienced, and 2- the flooding ocurred, or was at least worsened due to a failed pond retaining wall upfill from the village. Moreover, according to some owners, this is the sixth time in two years that this failure has occured. If this is the case, the uphill development to which the pond belongs seems to be a huge issue for these family owned shops. While we were unable to confirm these claims, this will be a topic we revisit going forward.
The craft shops were not the only places damaged. Legion Field at Hammonds Stadium on the Gatlinburg-Pittman High School campus was also damaged from extensive rain and flooding. The damage lead to a JV football game being played at a different location Monday morning.
When asked how folks who wanted to do so could help, one shop owner said that folks taking time to visit the Arts and Crafts Community on their next trip to the area would be more than enough. You can use the link below to access the community website.
Flint Gap, Hannah Mtn. Fires Spread As Record Temps Persist
Updated: September 3rd, 2024- The Flint Gap Fire was found to be 16.3 Acres after fire crews were able to walk the perimeter of the fire area. Officials stated that current weather conditions (low humidity and wind speeds) are assisiting their efforts to contain the blaze desite rocky and steep terrian. No offical containment percentages have been released. Officals do not anticiapte any significant fire spread moving further.
First reported on August 26th, 2024, flames near Cades Cove, more specifically Hannah Mountain started as a two-acre fire. As of today, August 29th the fire has spread to 23 acres. Coupled with near record temps, the steep slopes, and rugged terrain, accessibility to the fire zone has been an issue for responders.
The Tennessee National Guard arrived the day the fire was spotted with ground and aerial efforts. To date, they have dropped 25,000 gallons of water on the fire. Also from the air, the Guard has worked recon to find the safest and most accessible routes for ground crews. According to the Park Service, additional aerial and ground resources arrived at the park on Wednesday morning and throughout the next several days, including: a
Type 3 Incident Commander
3 Suppression Modules consisting of 7-10 personnel each
1 Type 3 Helicopter.
Closures in the park are as follows:
Backcountry campsites 14, 15, and 16.
Parson Branch Road
Rabbit Creek Trail from Abrams Creek to Cades Cove is closed.
Hannah Mountain Trail from Parson Branch Road to Little Bottom Trail.
Although high temps and dry conditions have persisted since the fire began, Labor Day weekend is forecasted to bring lower temperatures and rain to the area.
This is a developing story. We will bring you more details as they develop.
THE NEWEST, BIGGEST ATTRACTION IN THE SMOKIES
State Restrictions Will Change Pigeon Forge Rod Run
The Tennessee Department of Transportation recently presented the city with some new restrictions in the city’s sublease agreement for the road, which is a state highway.
FEATURED NEWS STORY
Smoky Mountain News
WEATHER DOMINATES
EARLY 2024 HEADLINES
January 23, 2024
Heavy Rain, Snow, Sub-Zero Temps Ring In the New Year In The Smokies
A fresh blanket of snow coats the mountains around Gatlinburg
2024 roared in like a lion for Sevier County as the calendar turned this new year. Just nine days into January heavy rains inundated Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville as the Little Pigeon River spilled from its banks. Just six days later, on January 15th, a winter storm first brought a wintery mix and later dropped a fresh blanket of snow on the Southern Appalachians.
The Cliff Branch breaches its banks and flows onto River Road.
The back-to-back weather systems caused widespread closings across the region. Many Sevier County schools have not been in session since January 9th and businesses closed for several days during this stretch. Despite the efforts of county road crews, many vacationers were unable to leave their rental properties due to snow and ice. Frigid temperatures also caused power outages and frozen pipes.
Click the videos below for real-time footage of these weather events.
Must-do Activities for your 2024 Gatlinburg Vacation
WHERE TO GO?
You want to make the most out of your time while vacationing in the Smokies. Let us help you with our guide!
WHERE TO STAY?
Lodging is an important aspect of any great vacation. Make sure you get the best accommodations and location with our help!
WHERE TO EAT?
With so many dining options in the area it can be hard to choose the right spots. Use our guide to make your decisions easier!
The New Gatlinburg Trolley App
Do you use the trolley while visiting Gatlinburg? If so check out the brand-new Gatlinburg Trolley App is available free of charge for Android and iPhone. This application includes a live map showing the location of each trolley and the next stop as well as text alerts. Click the button below to download.
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WHAT TO DO IN AUTUMN 2023
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5 PERFECT FALL CABINS
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TAKE A HIKE
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Elegance Above Gatlinburg
This cabin from Heaven’s Cabins is the perfect spot for a fall stay in the Smokies!
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Ober Gatlinburg Is Now Ober Mountain
Check out all the changes here!.
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