2 Tampa Bay Bridges Close As Hurricane Helene Moves Toward FL: FHP

TAMPA BAY, FL — Two Tampa Bay-area bridges closed as Hurricane Helene, a Category 3 storm, moves across the Gulf toward the Big Bend area, where it’s expected to make landfall.

The Courtney Campbell Causeway, which connects Clearwater and Tampa, shut down Thursday around 5 p.m. because of high winds and storm surge, according to a Florida Highway Patrol news release.

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge shut down earlier Thursday afternoon after wind gusts reached 60 mph, FHP said.

The bridge closes when there are maximum sustained winds of 50 mph or higher.

The four-lane cable-stayed concrete bridge with northbound and southbound lanes is part of I-275 and U.S. Highway 19. It connects Pinellas and Manatee counties.

Drivers who planned to take either bridge should find alternate routes, FHP said.

Related:

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• Hurricane Helene: Federal Emergency Declaration Issued For FL