Knoxville and Knox County road closures as Hurricane Helene brings dangerous floods and wind
The outer bands of Hurricane Helene are creating a soggy mess in East Tennessee. Conditions are dangerous.
As the rain continues to fall on already-soaked ground, flooding and fallen trees are forcing road closures. Crews are cleaning up trees and power lines.
Knox County clears trees from roads, but some are still blocked
The good news is no city of Knoxville roads are closed for flooding, but some may temporarily be blocked by downed trees:
TREES DOWN:
616 Dutch Valley
505 Woodlawn
1810 Howard
2843 Woodbine
Cecil/London
West Ford Valley/Linford
1719 Louisiana
5515 Holston
2009 Dutchvalley
Alta Vista/Noelton
Norris Freeway/Pedigo
Clement/Jim Wolfe
6701 Washington Pike
E Hendron Chapel/Kimberlain Heights
7729 Gill
Pellissippi/Horseshoe Bend
5172 Wise Springs
8310 Asheville Highway
South Northshore/Whittington Creek
POWER LINES DOWN:
TRAFFIC LIGHT OUT:
Strawberry Plains/East Gov. John Sevier
7304 Kingston Pike
Middlebrook/Liberty
Majestic Grove/Chapman Hwy
Asheville Hwy/E Gov. John Sevier
Crews worked overnight and through the day to clear trees on many other roads, including: Canton Hollow, Mutton Hollow Pellissippi Parkway, Huckleberry Springs/Flint Gap, Campbell Station Road, Northshore Avenue at Westland Boulevard, Porterfield Gap, Martin MIll Pike, Oak Avenue and many more.
If a tree is blocking a road near you, here’s who to call: Knoxville nonemergency number is 865-215-4010 and the Knox County nonemergency number is 865-215-2444.
Hurricane Helene updates: We’ve had days of rain, and now the danger moves into Knoxville from Helene
Interstate is impassible between Tennessee and North Carolina
Interstate 40 is impassable between Tennessee and Asheville, North Carolina, and beyond, because of catastrophic floods from the remnants of Hurricane Helene.
A mudslide and flooding have shut down the route.
Many highway closures were listed by DriveNC.gov, though North Carolina Department of Transportation officials have told drivers all Western Carolina roads are essentially shut down.
Sevier County impacted roads
Several roads are still opened, but impacted by fallen trees and powerlines.
529 Glades Road – one lane open
1155 Ski Mountain Road – one lane open
Dollywood Lane/McMakin Way – one lane open
Porter Field/West Union Valley side – impassable
Summit Trails Drive/Bluff Mountain Road – impassible
Jaywell Road/Trail Way – impassable
Blackberry Ride Way/Cherry Blossom Way – impassable
Alpine Drive/Lin Creek Drive – passable
3046 Katy Hollar Road – impassable
Knox County Schools closed: Classes and football canceled due to flooding and dangerous winds
Great Smoky Mountains road closures
Highway 411
Cades Cove Loop
Greebriar
Parson Branch
Big Creek
Sparks Lane
RIch Mountain
Forge Creek
Upper Treemont
Heintooga
Straight Fork
Balsam Mountain
Events canceled because of bad weather
The Blount Partnership has canceled the Townsend Fall Heritage and Bluegrass Festival scheduled for Sept. 27-28 at the Townsend Events Center, according to a Blount Partnership news release.
The Knox County Parents as Teachers’ 7th annual Roll and Read event will be closed due to inclement weather, according to a health department news release. The event is rescheduled for 10 a.m.-noon Oct. 4 at Safety City, 165 S. Concord St.
Stay safe when driving in rainy weather
AAA offers these tips for keeping safe while driving through rain and flooded areas:
Try to avoid driving while storms are passing through.
Slow down; tires can lose traction at speeds as low as 35 miles per hour.
Turn on your headlights to help other drivers see you, as well as helping you see ahead.
Slowing down on wet pavement takes more time, so increase the distance you leave between your car and those ahead of you.
Do not use cruise control because it increases the chances of losing control of your vehicle.
Drive in the tracks of vehicles in front of you and do not accelerate through puddles.
Never drive through standing water, water can be deeper than you expect, or contain concealed objects like downed powerlines.
Do not drive with hazard lights on in low visibility because it can confuse other drivers.
Pull off the road to a safe place if necessary in low visibility. If driving on the interstate do not stop on the shoulder or under bridges, where it’s harder for you to be seen.
This story will be updated.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Knoxville and Knox County road conditions from Hurricane Helene floods
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