Early snowfall from Hurricane Sandy turns Smokies white

Hurricane Sandy may have left most of the eastern U.S. drenched in heavy rain but not East Tennessee. Record snowfalls are being reported all across the Smoky Mountains National Park. The snow drifts may make the Blizzard of '93 look like a light dusting. (Hubby and I drove the Cherohala Skyway the next afternoon after I posted the article. Here's what we found.)

Right now, WBIR is reporting that Newfound Gap is covered in a think blanket of the white stuff. Snow drifts there are as much as four feet high! It should make for some absolutely amazing photos! Hurricane Sandy may have covered the Smokies in snow, but don't plan to go running off just yet. Hwy. 441 and other roads in the Smokies are closed and there could conceivably be other closures in the area. Check Tennessee 511
for the full scoop on the road closures.

Fortunately for trick-or-treeters, the valley is dry and snow free. The temperatures here are predicted to be in the high 50's. Hurricane Sandy has left many of us in bewilderment over the weather havoc. The swath of devastation left by the storm in other parts of the country is a nasty Halloween trick that I hope nature never repeats.

This is the earliest that I can remember ever having snow. Hubby and I are going to try to make the best of it. We hope take a short run into the Smoky Mountains (or Cherohala Skyway) today to grab a few photographs. Even as we enjoy grabbing the shots, our fun will be overshadowed by the thoughts of all the people who are digging out and trying to recover. Whether snow, rain or both, my heartfelt prayers go to all who are recovering from Hurricane Sandy.