TAMPA, Fla. — Helene is expected to bring strong winds, heavy rains and storm surge to the Tampa Bay area. Evacuation orders have been given ahead of the storm.
Some roads and bridges will start to see increased traffic due to evacuations. Our Real-Time Traffic Map will help you check the roads before you head out and before you return home.
Use our Real-Time Traffic Map below to check on the status of the roads near you.
JUST IN: Per the Florida Highway Patrol, the Gandy Bridge is now closed as a result of high winds and storm surge. Motorists should seek alternate travel routes and if not absolutely necessary remain off the highways.
Please be safe and remember to check FL511 for all road and bridge closure information.JUST IN: The Courtney Campbell Causeway is CLOSED as a result of high winds and storm surge. Motorists should seek alternate travel routes and if not absolutely necessary remain off the highways.
JUST IN: Eastbound lanes of the Courtney Campbell are shutting down now because of wind-whipped waves from Helene. Westbound lanes likely to follow.
JUST IN: The Florida Highway Patrol has determined that the Howard Frankland Bridge is now CLOSED as a result of high winds and storm surge. Motorists should seek alternate travel routes and if not absolutely necessary remain off the highways.
JUST IN: The Florida Highway Patrol announced shortly before 1:45 p.m. that the Sunshine Skyway Bridge will be closed.
In a statement, an FHP spokesperson said: "As weather conditions continue to deteriorate and wind gusts have reached 60 MPH, the Florida Highway Patrol is closing the Skyway Bridge at this time. Motorists are requested to seek alternate routes, do not drive through flooded roadways, and unless absolutely necessary stay off Bay Area roadways."
Photo from FHP
SEE ALSO: Following guidance from the U.S. Coast Guard, Pinellas County plans to lock its three movable bridges in the closed position at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25, in advance of Hurricane Helene. The Dunedin Causeway bridges, Beckett Bridge in Tarpon Springs and Park Boulevard Bridge in Seminole will remain open to vehicle traffic, but will not open for boat traffic until conditions are clear following the storm.
Owners of high clearance boats that need to move them to a more secure location before the storm should do so before the bridges close tonight.
The Florida Highway Patrol and Florida Department of Transportation will close the Sunshine Skyway bridge when wind speeds reach about 45 mph. The Gandy Bridge, Howard Frankland Bridge and/or Courtney Campbell Causeway will be closed if wave action makes travel unsafe.
SEE ALSO: The Florida Division of Emergency Management has partnered to provide free rides to state-approved shelters (up to $35 rides) in counties under a state of emergency for Helene. Open the Uber app, tap Account and Wallet, and add promo code HELENERELIEF