A rockslide and flooding has shut down I-40 in Cocke County.

Tennessee Department of Transportation’s Mark Nagi says the slide happened near mile marker 450 shortly after 5 p.m. yesterday afternoon (Wednesday).

He says drivers should seek alternate routes as both west and eastbound lanes of I-40 are shut down, which is expected to last for an extended period.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol says I-40 East is redirecting at mile marker 447, and I-40 West is redirecting in North Carolina at mile marker 7. Additionally, Foothills Parkway East is also closed.

Cocke County Mayor Rob Mathis says multiple cars were stranded but no injuries were reported. He says with Helene, the flooding rose from below but with this situation, flooding came down from the mountains.

He adds that the Pigeon River is elevated in Hartford and that everyone downstream is asked to use caution.

Officials with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park reminded drivers that no commercial vehicles are allowed to drive on US 441/Newfound Gap Road.