Landslide Closes Gatlinburg Bypass, Forces Traffic Reroute After Heavy Rains

A significant landslide has shut down the Gatlinburg Bypass. The incident occurred on Saturday following intense rainfall. The closure affects the vital 4-mile loop around the Tennessee tourist town.

The National Park Service confirmed the closure. They cited a large landslide that made the road unsafe. According to Fox Weather, heavy rain triggered both the slide and local flooding.

Emergency Crews Assess Damage and Stability

Officials have not announced a reopening date. Crews must first assess the damage to the roadway. They are also checking the stability of the surrounding terrain.

The Sevier County Emergency Management Department reported multiple road closures. A Flash Flood Warning was issued as rainfall reached 2 to 3 inches per hour. This type of heavy rain commonly triggers landslides in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Traffic is now being rerouted through downtown Gatlinburg. This area welcomes approximately 14 million visitors annually. The closure comes during the busy fall foliage tourism season.

Broader Regional Weather Threats Persist

The landslide event coincides with other weather developments. Tropical Depression Nine developed recently between Cuba and the central Bahamas. This system could intensify and bring more rain to the region.

This is not an isolated incident for the area. Last year, the remnants of Hurricane Helene caused hundreds of landslides. Parts of the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway remain closed from that historic storm.

Tennessee emergency managers continue to monitor conditions. More rainfall is forecast through the weekend and into next week. The situation highlights ongoing geological risks in mountainous regions during severe weather.

The sudden Gatlinburg Bypass landslide underscores the immediate impact of extreme weather on critical infrastructure. Officials urge travelers to use alternate routes until the roadway is declared safe.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the Gatlinburg Bypass?

The Gatlinburg Bypass is a roughly 4-mile road. It loops around the town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It is a key route for avoiding downtown traffic.

When will the Bypass reopen?

There is no current reopening date. Crews need to assess the landslide damage and ground stability. Officials will provide updates when safe passage is restored.

What should drivers do now?

All traffic is being rerouted through downtown Gatlinburg. Drivers should expect delays and plan for extra travel time. Follow official directives for the latest route information.

Are landslides common here?

Yes, landslides are common in the Great Smoky Mountains during heavy rain. The steep terrain becomes saturated and unstable. This leads to an increased risk of earth movement.

How is this related to tropical weather?

The heavy rain that caused the slide is part of a larger weather pattern. Tropical Depression Nine is active in the region. Such systems often bring the intense rainfall that triggers landslides.

Trusted Sources: Fox Weather, National Park Service, Sevier County Emergency Management Agency, National Weather Service