TRAVEL INFORMATION FOR HAYWOOD COUNTY, NC
TRAVEL INFORMATION: Ice Storm Warning & Incoming Winter Weather
Last updated: 01/23/2026
The National Weather Service has issued an ice storm warning for Haywood County from Saturday, January 24 at 1:00 p.m. until Monday, January 26 at 1:00 p.m.
Significant icing, including compacted sleet and snow, are expected. Total snow and sleet accumulations up to two inches and ice accumulations around one inch are possible in some areas. Winds gusts may reach 40 mph.
It is extremely dangerous to travel on ice-covered roadways. During the storm, stay off the roadways whenever possible. Hazardous conditions may last through Monday.
Power outages are likely due to the weight of the ice and snow on tree limbs and power lines.
All visitors should stay aware and be prepared for road closures, power outages, and extremely cold temperatures.
Please visit ReadyHaywood.com/winterweather for important updates and safety information.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is closed to due inclement weather. Please click here or see the below drop-down menu for road closure updates.
Cataloochee Valley is closed due to winter weather.
US 441/Newfound Gap Road between Cherokee, NC and Gatlinburg, TN, will close at 7:00 p.m. on 1/23 due to forecasted conditions.
As of January 23, 2026, the Blue Ridge Parkway in Haywood is closed due to inclement weather. The Parkway is not open for foot or vehicle traffic while winter weather persists.
To view road status by milepost, visit https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/roadclosures.htm.
It is not advised to traverse Great Smoky Mountains National Park roads and trails during Winter Storm Fern. Cataloochee Valley is closed due to winter weather.
For more updates on current conditions in the Park, visit https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/conditions.htm.
US 441/newfound Gap Road through Cherokee to Gatlinburg, TN, will close on Friday, January 23, at 7:00 p.m., and will remain closed until icy conditions resolve.
For updates on US 441, visit https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/temproadclose.htm.
Several roads and recreation areas within Pisgah National Forest have been closed in anticipation of the incoming winter storm.
For a list of closures in Pisgah National Forest, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/northcarolina/alerts/winter-storm-closures.
