Low Pressure Storm Related Damage Causes Blue Ridge Parkway Closures

The persistent low pressure system that is causing historical flooding in the Carolinas’ is also dumping  a lot of rain in the mountains of North Carolina. Many areas of the Blue Ridge Parkway in both Virginia and North Carolina are closed or under advisory. River and stream levels are being monitored, dams are being monitored, bridges, downed trees, trails and road conditions are being monitored daily. Many of the cabins located in the parkway are experiencing leaks and swollen doors due to the rain and extended period of wet/humid conditions making conditions unsafe for visitors. There have also been reports of rock slides, loss of power and loss of running water in some facilities. Some visitors centers and areas have reopened but many areas remain closed until Monday Oct. 5, 2015.

Blue Ridge Parkway Closures

Parkway staff have been out everyday monitoring the situation and park conditions. Plans to reopen all areas as soon as deemed safe are determined on a daily basis. With the forecast for the low pressure system to move out on Monday things should return to normal as soon as cleanup can be completed. Now that the wet weather is coming to an end the fall foliage show should be well under way this week. Reports of color in spite of the clouds and fog over the weekend have been reported in the 4000-5000′ elevation areas. Great areas to see the fall colors this week would be Craggy Gardens and Graveyard Fields.

Here is a link to the real-time road closures on the Blue Ridge Parkway.