Tampa International Airport Closure Before Arrival Of Idalia
With the preparations underway for hurricane conditions in the upcoming days, there’s been announcement from Tampa International Airport.
Tropical Storm Idalia continues to intensify and move toward Florida‘s gulf coast. The storm is predicted to become a major hurricane as it moves through the Gulf of Mexico. Winds are expected to reach 115 miles per hour. Though the current predicted path of the storm brings it mostly north of the immediate Tampa Bay area, there will be wind and rain to affect Tampa.
All commercial operations are suspended at Tampa International Airport beginning at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday. This should be before Idalia is near enough to affect operations. The airport will not reopen until any damages can be assessed following the storm leaving the Tampa Bay area.
During the closure, Tampa International Airport officials, and the Airport’s partners, will be able to check into the terminals, the airfields and ground equipment. This will allow the Airport to reopen safely following the storm.
Some cargo and some private operations may continue beyond the 12:01 a.m. closure, however, air traffic will be stopped by 7 a.m. Tuesday morning. The airport will be closed to visitors. The airport is not prepared to be used as a shelter.
At this time, a Thursday morning reopening is anticipated.
On the other side of Tampa Bay, the St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport is closing at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, August 29. Plans are to reopen the airport on Wednesday, August 30.
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[Source: TampaAirport.com]