The Southeastern U.S., including many Tennessee communities, were devastated as Hurricane Helene made landfall on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. We are deeply saddened about the loss of lives and livelihoods, and stand with our partners across Tennessee as we begin the difficult work of recovery.
Much of Tennessee is open for business, including the cities of Chattanooga, Gatlinburg, Knoxville, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville. The business districts of Johnson City, Kingsport and Bristol were not impacted and are open for business. Travel with caution and call before you go. Some surrounding areas are under temporary orders to conserve water.
The middle and western parts of the state, including Nashville and Memphis, remain open for business as usual.
Often travel plays an important role in helping communities get back on their feet. If you are unsure of whether the Tennessee area you are visiting was impacted, please reach out to local officials or your travel booking agents before cancelling your trip.
If you are concerned about your upcoming travel plans, message us on @TNVacation or email our offices directly at TN.tourism@TN.gov.
For updated emergency information across Tennessee, visit TEMA’s recovery website.
Tennessee Travel Updates
The following will be updated as more information is made available. Check this page often for travel updates.
Road Travel in Tennessee
Many roads between East Tennessee and Western North Carolina remain closed due to damage sustained during Hurricane Helene. All thru traffic should avoid this area.
It is important to adhere to all road closure signage and barricades, and never attempt to drive through standing water.
For the most up-to-date information on Tennessee roads, visit Tennessee Department of Transportation's SmartWay website or follow @myTDOT on X.
Interstates I-80, I-75 and I-65 were not impacted and are open for travel.
Interstate 40 and Interstate 26 are closed in both directions at the Tennessee/North Carolina border. You cannot get to Tennessee from North Carolina via I-40 or I-26.
o I-40 is closed both directions from mile marker 440 in Tennessee (Cocke County) until mile marker 3 in North Carolina.
o I-26 is closed both directions from mile marker 39 in Erwin, Tennessee (Unicoi County) to the North Carolina line.
o Thru traffic heading from Tennessee into North Carolina should follow I-81 North to Virginia and take I-77 South to North Carolina.
o North Carolina Department of Transportation offers this map with detours.
Some roads throughout the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are closed. US 441/Newfound Gap Road from Gatlinburg to Cherokee, NC reopened on Oct. 3, 2024. For the latest updates, please visit NPS.gov.
Tennessee Welcome Centers
Tennessee Welcome Centers in Hartford is closed.
Tennessee State Parks
Four Tennessee State Parks are closed: Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park in Elizabethton, Roan Mountain State Park in Roan Mountain, Rocky Fork State Park in Flag Pond and David Crockett Birthplace State Park in Limestone.
Please visit www.tnstateparks.com for updates on reopening and access.
Additional Travel Resources
Gatlinburg
• Gatlinburg.com alternative routes
• Gatlinburg.com how you can help
Pigeon Forge
• Travel alerts and alternative routes
