Hurricane Irma Warning

[Lauriep]

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING PENDING STORM:

Please read carefully if your trip includes travel in the backcountry Sunday, September 10-Thursday, September 14. Based on the projected forecast we expect Hurricane Irma to cause a significant weather event on the Appalachian Trail in Northern Georgia and Western North Carolina. While the exact path is unknown, we are following the forecast carefully and this system will bring with it significant rainfall and strong winds. These conditions can create numerous hazards for backcountry travel, from impassable stream crossings, falling/downed trees, to mud and rock slides, and extreme caution is necessary. Staying on the A.T. during the hurricane may put yourself and rescuers at risk; be advised they may not be able to reach you in the event of injury. We encourage the public to seek shelter in town. Due to anticipated road closures that may be in effect, much of the backcountry may also be inaccessible. Thank you for your attention to this important information.

This message is from the Appalachian Trail National Park Service Office and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Updates will be posted at www.appalachiantrail.org/updates.

[obxcola]

Be down and out by Monday night. There's no reason to be out in this mess. Any tall southeast facing ridges could get hit really hard. VERY high winds, terrific rainfall, lots of trees down. The stretch from @ Albert to Springer could be especially hard hit.