Flood threat prompts evacuation in the Smokies
The Little River rips through the Elkmont area following heavy rains last week. Donated photo
Heavy rains and rising rivers prompted the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to evacuate campers at Elkmont Campground last week, beginning the process around 9 a.m. Thursday, June 28, and reopening the area a few hours later.
The campground was one of several areas to close June 28 after heavy rains at high elevations throughout the park, including 2.54 inches recorded at Clingmans Dome. In a six-hour period, Little River rose about 6 feet above normal levels at Townsend Wye.
While Elkmont, Little River Road, Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area, Upper Tremont Road and Wear Cove Gap Road all reopened about two hours after they were closed, Little River Road from Metcalf Bottoms Picnic area to Townsend Wye remained closed due to downed trees and rocks.
