Traveling Through the Southeast? You Won’t Believe What’s Happening to Roads Right Now

Tennessee and North Carolina are experiencing widespread travel disruptions and power outages as icy conditions from a major winter storm—part of the system known as Winter Storm Fern—continue to impact the southeastern United States. Hazardous roads, slick surfaces, and freezing rain have made travel difficult and potentially dangerous for residents and visitors in both states, affecting tourism-related travel into and around key destinations.

The severe winter storm has brought freezing rain and ice accumulations to the region, downing trees and power lines and leaving many without electricity. In Tennessee, hundreds of thousands of customers have lost power as ice weighs down infrastructure, and travel on major highways and rural roads has been severely compromised. Meanwhile in North Carolina, the combination of ice, sleet, and freezing rain has led to dangerous driving conditions on roadways and bridges, prompting advisories for motorists to avoid unnecessary travel.

Tourism and Travel Impacts in Tennessee

Tennessee’s tourism sector, which includes visitors heading to Nashville, Gatlinburg, and the Great Smoky Mountains, is being affected on multiple fronts. The ice storm has made conditions on main and secondary roads treacherous, forcing many travelers to delay or alter plans. National Weather Service forecasts and emergency alerts have encouraged drivers to postpone trips or seek alternative arrangements until road crews can treat and clear ice-coated surfaces.

Power outages across the state—especially in populated areas—are affecting hotel operations, attractions, restaurants, and visitor services. Many tourism businesses are relying on contingency power or modifying hours as crews work to restore electricity across the region. Flight schedules at airports throughout the South have also been impacted by the broader storm system, with widespread flight cancellations and delays reported as winter weather hammers the United States.

Visitors planning winter travel to Tennessee in the coming days should verify road conditions, lodging availability, and power status at their destinations. Many hotels and resorts have posted advisories encouraging guests to check latest weather updates and contact local services before embarking on travel. With road safety a primary concern, tourism officials stress that travelers make informed choices to avoid undue risk.

North Carolina’s Road Conditions Hampering Tourism

Across North Carolina, icy conditions have presented significant challenges along major travel corridors used by both residents and out‑of‑state visitors. In eastern portions of the state, icy patches on highways—including U.S. Highway 13/17 and state routes—have created slick conditions that remain dangerous, particularly on bridges and shaded road sections where ice can persist even when temperatures rise slightly during the day.

Emergency responders reported hundreds of traffic incidents in a short period as drivers encountered ice on roadways, and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol has urged motorists to slow down or delay travel if possible until conditions improve.

For visitors to Charlotte, Raleigh, Asheville, and other cities with significant tourism traffic, icy roads threaten access to key attractions, historical sites, and event venues. Tourism boards in affected areas are recommending travelers check local transportation advisories, confirm reservations, and monitor conditions via official apps or social media channels before traveling within the state. With bridge icing a persistent hazard, roads that normally support tourism travel are being treated with salt and sand, but drivers are still encouraged to use caution.

Winter Tourism Planning and Safety Tips

As winter weather continues to unfold across the Southeast and broader United States, travelers planning trips to Tennessee and North Carolina should adopt several safety practices:

• Check Conditions Before Departure: Confirm weather, road conditions, and power status with state DOT websites and local tourism offices.
• Allow Extra Travel Time: Icy roads and high traffic volumes as people adjust plans can significantly slow travel.
• Contact Lodging Directly: Ensure your hotel or vacation rental has power and updated access information before setting out.
• Stay Alert for Alerts: Follow official advisories from the National Weather Service and local authorities for the latest updates.

While tourism activity in winter destinations can still be enjoyable once conditions improve, Winter Storm Fern has shown how quickly ice and freezing rain can disrupt travel plans and visitor experiences. Travelers are reminded to monitor forecasts, respect travel advisories, and prioritize safety when navigating icy routes or planning visits to winter attractions across Tennessee and North Carolina.

Looking Ahead

Meteorologists indicate that freezing conditions and dangerous travel landscapes may linger for days as the storm’s cold core settles over much of the eastern U.S. ahead of subsequent weather systems. Tourism officials in both Tennessee and North Carolina continue to assess impacts and share information important for visitor planning, including travel advisories, lodging updates, and community resources that can help travelers stay safe during ongoing winter conditions.