Storms Hit Smokie Mountain National Park

Severe weather thunderstorms slammed into parts of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and nearby communities in East Tennessee on Thursday.

The storms toppled trees onto streets and homes, leaving tens of thousands without power and stranding and injuring park visitors.

The Knoxville News Sentinel reports that the storms barrelled through the area late Thursday afternoon, bringing winds of up to 70 miles per hour.

Park spokeswoman Melissa Cobern told the newspaper that park rangers and emergency personnel were checking on reports of fatalities and people in distress.

Some motorists were believed to be trapped in their vehicles, but crews were having difficulty getting deep into the park.

At least a dozen people are known to be injured.