Tropical Storm Helene has closed the entire length of the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina due to extensive flooding and damage. Recovery efforts are ongoing with assistance from park service employees from various states. The parkway serves as a significant route for local residents and tourists, drawing millions each year.
Tropical Storm Helene has resulted in the unprecedented closure of the Blue Ridge Parkway, a prominent roadway in Western North Carolina. The aftermath of the storm has led to significant flooding and widespread destruction across the region. As it stands, the National Park Service has announced that all 252 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway, which stretches from the Virginia border to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, are currently inaccessible. Efforts are underway to remove fallen trees and debris while assessing the extent of the damage to the roadway. To bolster the recovery efforts, approximately 100 employees from the National Park Service, representing 22 states and the District of Columbia, have been deployed to assist local teams. The Blue Ridge Parkway serves as both a vital local route for residents and an important attraction for visitors, drawing nearly 16.8 million people in the past year alone. These visitors contribute significantly to the local economy, with expenditures totaling nearly $1.4 billion in surrounding communities. Although the Parkway remains closed in North Carolina, the section in Virginia leading to Shenandoah National Park continues to operate. With fall foliage season approaching, it appears that portions of North Carolina’s road will likely remain closed during this peak travel time. Additionally, U.S. 441, or Newfound Gap Road which traverses the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, has been reopened; however, commercial vehicles are still prohibited on this road.
Tropical Storm Helene has recently affected many areas in the Southeastern United States, particularly in North Carolina, where it has caused catastrophic flooding and infrastructure damage. The Blue Ridge Parkway, renowned for its scenic routes and access to various recreational activities, has been significantly impacted. This highway is crucial not only for local communities but also for tourism, making the ongoing closures a significant concern for both residents and local economies.
In summary, Tropical Storm Helene has led to the total closure of the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina, with extensive damage assessments and recovery efforts being undertaken. The impacts on tourism and local economies are expected to be profound, particularly with the upcoming fall foliage season. While assistance has been mobilized, the full reopening timeline remains uncertain, creating continued challenges for both residents and the tourism sector.
Original Source: www.newsobserver.com
