As Hurricane Francine makes a slow march toward the Gulf Coast, farther north, National Park Service officials are getting ready. Rocky Springs Campground and portions of the Natchez Trace are shut down because of safety concerns.
Portions of the Natchez Trace closed—”Avoid traveling,” says Service
A Park Service news release says it closed Rocky Springs Campground in Claiborne County and the grounds of Mount Locust Inn in Jefferson County, MS, yesterday. “Additional locations along the parkway may close during incoming Tropical Storm Francine,” the release warns.
Incoming storms make it advisable for motorists to avoid traveling the Natchez Trace Parkway and instead use alternate routes if they must travel.
Heavy rain and strong winds may impact the entire Natchez Trace Parkway. Trees will come down, and park staffers won’t remove downed trees until it is safe to do so.
Have trouble on the Trace, you could wait hours for help
“Safety is our main concern at Natchez Trace Parkway. We want to ensure visitors are aware of the incoming potential risks with Tropical Storm Francine,” said Chief Ranger Prashant Lotwala. “If motorists get stuck or are involved in a crash, the response time may be many hours, especially during active severe weather.”
Park authorities will reopen the grounds of Rocky Springs Campground and Mount Locust Inn on Friday, September 13, 2024. This assumes no major storm damage will need to be reckoned with.
For more information about the Natchez Trace Parkway and to get the latest status on park closings, click here.
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Thank you, Russ and Tina! 🙂 I pray that there are no fatalities from this hurricane. Would be good, too, if flooding was as minimal as can be expected. Thanks again, have a great day, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂
Thanks, Neal. I think it’s straightened out now. If not, please let me know. We want to be correct. Have a good night. 😀 –Diane