Mudslide shuts down I-40 near NC-Tennessee line after devastating flooding

CATALOOCHEE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — As part of ominous messages for drivers across North Carolina, Interstate 40 is closed near the Tennessee state line.

According to the N.C. Department of Transportation, I-40 East is closed at Mile Marker 3 due to a mudslide. The closure occurred around 12:30 p.m. Friday, and is expected to reopen by 5 p.m. Saturday.

Digital message boards around Charlotte warn drivers to avoid western North Carolina following devastating flooding to the region from Hurricane Helene.

“All roads in western North Carolina should be considered closed,” NCDOT says. “Motorists should not travel in this area, should not attempt to drive through standing water and must respect barricades and road closure signs. Those in western North Carolina should seek higher ground and shelter in place.”

There are several other closures on I-40 in the Asheville area.

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