The U.S. Forest Service Has Closed Access To Cherokee National Forest In Northern Tennessee As First Responders Continue Disaster Relief Efforts. Forest Supervisor Michael Wright Says They’re Dealing With Unprecedented Loss And Destruction Caused By Flooding And High Winds From Hurricane Helene. Wright Emphasized The Closure Is Necessary To Prioritize Life, Safety, And Critical Infrastructure. Multiple Fatalities Have Been Reported, And Many Remain Missing In Communities Around The Forest. Damaged Roads And Bridges Also Remain Unsafe. The Closure Includes National Forest Property In Carter, Cocke, Greene, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi, And Washington Counties, With Access Limited To First Responders And Residents. However, The Southern Part Of The Forest In McMinn, Monroe, And Polk Counties Remains Open.