As Hurricane Helene barrels towards Florida's Gulf Coast, Tampa International Airport (TPA) is shutting down operations starting at 2 a.m. tomorrow. FOX 13 News reports that TPA, not planning to serve as a shelter, urges all travelers to contact their airlines and stay vigilant of the weather conditions.
Not only TPA but also St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport has communicated closings due to the impending storm, with a reopening agenda set depending on post-storm assessments, according to a Tampa Bay Times post on social media; both airports will continue to operate until the set closing time today. Passengers are encouraged to reach out to their respective airlines for the latest updates as the airports prepare for the hurricane's landfall.
Additional facilities under the management of the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, including Peter O. Knight, Tampa Executive, and Plant City Airports are also set to close in tandem with TPA at 2 a.m. tomorrow. WTSP outlines the shared anticipation for reopening on Friday following damage inspections, but the actual timing will depend on the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
With the imminent approach of Helene, airport authorities are meticulously preparing by anchoring down jet bridges and securing ground equipment and aircraft, the focus is to minimize potential damage and ensure public safety, TPA is slated to host a press conference at 3 p.m. today to give more updates, as the region hunkers down for the storm.
