KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A high wind warning lasting through much of the day and night Wednesday led to downed trees throughout the Smokies. In the national park, due to the shutdown and limited staff, that meant some roads had to be closed before a multitude of tree were blown down.
Major roads such as the Cades Cove Loop and Laurel Creek Road had to be closed Wednesday afternoon due to high winds and down trees.
Brent McDaniel, director of marketing with Friends of the Smokies, says he sees the strain of the shutdown every day.
"We work with federal workers, so it's hard to see your friends and the Smokies family out of work this long...we're hopeful it will end in a timely manner but it's difficult for them for sure," he said.
A park employee told 10News some roads were closed due to the fact that there just wasn't enough staff on the clearing crew to ensure the entire road could be or would remain safe for travel. Making those decisions is a challenge, according to McDaniel.
"It's difficult for park staff," he said. "The park really has minimal staff on hand during the shutdown so they are working to clear roads and it'll be high priority roads first."
McDaniels says that means 441 from Gatlinburg over to Cherokee, Cades Cove Loop, Little River Road, and the Spur.
"It's hard but they're doing a good job," he said.
Because of the short staffing, anyone visiting the park should remember that also means limited emergency crews in the park. Thus, the need to be careful while in the park remains high.
"Emergency services are limited during the shutdown, so especially when we have weather events like this with high winds and potential for falling branches or falling trees, we really want people to urge caution. If you don't need to be in the park, now's not the time to visit," said McDaniels.
"You can still enjoy the park but be safe please."