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Strongest winds in years closes U.S. 441 through Smokies
National park officials have closed U.S. 441 and Cades Cove Loop Road because of trees downed by the strongest sustained winds in six years.Wind gusts of 96-100 mph are being recorded atop Cove Mountain in Blount County, Molly Schoer, spokeswoman for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, said today.
Authorities closed U.S. 441 through the park about 10 a.m.
Schoer said high wind warnings are in effect for the area until 4 p.m., but she said officials “don’t have a timeframe for keeping it closed.”
Schoer said park officials are concerned that trees could fall on visitor’s vehicles or trap them on the road between felled trees.
“We’re monitoring the wind,” Schoer said. “So far, it has been steadily increasing from 6 a.m. to 12 (noon),” she said.
“This is the strongest straight gusts recorded in three years and the strongest sustained winds at 66 mph since 2006.”
Schoer said park officials could reopen the roads before 4 p.m. She encouraged travelers to check the park’s website or Twitter account @smokiesroadsnps for updates.
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/dec/20…artner=RSS
2012-12-20 14:36:38
Source: http://yeoldefalseflag.com/thread-strongest-winds-in-years-closes-u-s-441-through-smokies
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