TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Those who use any of the bridges in the Tampa Bay area could run into issues later this week due to what’s forecast to become Hurricane Helene.
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is the most likely bridge to close due to its height, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.
As of 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, a high wind advisory was in effect for the Skyway Bridge, but the bridge remained open for travel, according to FDOT. When wind speeds hit 40 mph, the bridge will close.
The Howard Frankland, Gandy, and Courtney Campbell Causeway bridges will close when they become unsafe for drivers.
Because the bridges are close to the water surface, the bridges could close if choppy waters and wind throw water or other debris onto the roadway.
Hurricane Helene formed Tuesday morning in the Caribbean and is expected to strengthen into a hurricane once it enters the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday.
Helene is forecast to become a major hurricane ahead of making landfall somewhere along the Florida Gulf Coast on Thursday.