The Blue Ridge Parkway is fully closed across all sections in North Carolina and Virginia due to an incoming winter storm, impacting travelers and residents who rely on the route. The closure, which began Friday evening, is due to Winter Storm Fern.
Officials warn of hazardous conditions, including snow, ice, fallen trees, and debris. Emergency access will be limited. The National Park Service urges people to avoid travel and winter recreation on the parkway. Roads are not salted and are only minimally plowed. Closures include gates and barricades and are expected to last until staff can safely assess and clear conditions.
Updates are posted on the NPS website.
Broader Context in Western North Carolina
Gov. Josh Stein declared a state of emergency on Wednesday. The declaration enables anti-price gouging measures and potential federal aid. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NC DOT) provides real-time road conditions.
Residents are advised to prepare for potential power outages by gathering essential supplies. These include food, water, first-aid kits, blankets, flashlights, and battery packs, with enough supplies to last for at least a week. Utility outage maps and hotlines are available; for example, Duke Energy can be reached at 800-769-3766. For emergency shelter information, people can call 211 via United Way/NC211.org.
Under North Carolina law, employers can require employees to work during the storm, although adverse weather policies may apply.
The closure of the Blue Ridge Parkway will likely affect travel plans and daily commutes for many in western North Carolina. Residents are encouraged to monitor weather updates and road conditions and to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during the storm.
Crews must first remove debris and perform safety evaluations before the parkway can reopen.
WNCTimes