By JESSA LEWIS
6 News Reporter
TOWNSEND (WATE) - Storm cleanup continued in the Smokies on Saturday after Thursday's severe thunderstorms closed parts of the park.
Visitors to some parts of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park including Cades Cove were turned away this morning while crews continue to pick up and haul off storm debris.
"We had a real productive day yesterday. We cleared a lot of miles of road. Our focus has been on the Foothills Parkway west so that we could focus on Look Rock Campground. We've now done that," said Chief Ranger Clayton Jordan.
On a typical July day, park rangers would expect tens of thousands of people to come through the Cades Cove area.
"We're making a very heavy push today to try and get it reopened as quickly as possible and we have about 18 large pieces of equipment, excavators, loaders, all working on the Laurel Creek Road area," Jordan added.
The roads have to be clear before the affected parts of the park can be reopened. Officials said some of those spots would reopen Saturday evening, including Cades Cove.
Crews also have to address the weakened trees leaning over the roadways, so they won't fall in the event of another storm.
"These thunderstorms generated straight lines winds, but it certainly resembles footage when a tornado touches down," Jordan explained.
Park officials said it's hard to predict when the entire park will be open again.
No missing hikers or backpackers have been reported as of yet as a result of the storm.
In a Saturday afternoon press release, park officials outlined which areas were now open, and which would remain closed for the time being.
"Cades Cove, the Cades Cove Loop, Laurel Creek Road into Cades Cove and the Little River Road from Elkmont to the Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area will reopen this evening. The Cades Cove Campground will reopen this evening, as well," officials said in a statement.
Workers also began assessing trails in the backcountry areas of the park that were affected by the storm. A preliminary report indicates that several trails have received "significant damage". The report said a two-mile section of the Chestnut Top Trail had essentially been lost because of the storm damage. Officials said several backcountry trails would like have to close in the area.
Park officials said several more roads are still closed, including the Little River Road between Metcalf Bottoms and the Townsend Wye, the Rich Mountain Road, Parson's Branch Road and the Abrams Creek access road. The Abrams Creek Campground also remains closed.
Officials said assessment and clearing efforts would continue through the weekend.
Visitors to some parts of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park including Cades Cove were turned away this morning while crews continue to pick up and haul off storm debris.
Crews also have to address the weakened trees leaning over the roadways, so they won't fall in the event of another storm.
