Townsend Still Operating After Deadly Storms

7/9/2012

Townsend, Tenn. – The Great Smoky Mountains National Park along with Cades Cove and local businesses, including hotels, cabins and campgrounds in Townsend, Tenn., are all open after deadly storms passed through the area last Thursday, July 6.

“We are back to normal,” said Mark Chipperfield, owner of the Townsend Great Smokies KOA. “We went about 20 hours without power, but we were back online late Friday afternoon. We had some early departures due to the power outage, but we also had some folks arrive for the weekend looking for a place to stay.”

Cleanup of more than 100 trees across the county is nearly complete except for some upper legs of trails and electrical service has been completely restored.

“Yes, we are open for business,” said Sandy Headrick of Highland Manor Inn in Townsend. “We weathered the storm and the county, along with electrical crews and National Park officials did a great job of getting everything back to normal so we can continue with the summer tourist season. All roads are open to the sight-seeing destinations and Townsend is open for all visitors.”

Officials reopened a main road and several campgrounds Saturday at the popular Cades Cove section of the park, which is located on the Tennessee-North Carolina border.

The area affected by the storm draws as many as 40,000 tourists a weekend during the summer.