Hurricane Helene is traveling across the Gulf of Mexico and continues to strengthen before its imminent landfall in Florida 's Big Bend. If you're flying to the region during the storm, you might want to check your flight status.
"It seems likely that Helene will be at or very near Category 4 strength when it makes landfall in the Florida Big Bend this evening," the National Hurricane Center warned the afternoon of Sept. 26, per USA Today .
A handful of airports in the area have closed their doors in anticipation of Helene's arrival. See if your travel will be affected.
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Tampa International Airport suspended operations at 2 a.m. on Sept. 26 and remains closed until further notice, according to an announcement on X. It also reiterated that "The airport is not a shelter" and shared a list of Hillsborough County shelters.
St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE)
Nearby St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport also remains closed through Sept. 26. The airport plans to reopen Friday morning, Sept. 27.
Tallahassee International Airport (TLH)
Florida's capital sits in Helene's direct path. Unsurprisingly, the Tallahassee airport shuttered its doors until further notice.
"Operations at Tallahassee International Airport will be suspended Thursday, Sept. 26, and will resume as soon as it is safe to do so," the airport wrote on social media.
Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)
Jacksonville International Airport is open for now, though the airport warned that "Helene will likely cause additional cancellations later today and into tomorrow." If you're traveling through JAX, check with your airline for the latest updates.
Miami International Airport (MIA)
Miami International Airport, the biggest in the state, remains open as of Thursday afternoon. Still, make sure your flight isn't affected.
"Due to potential severe weather as a result of Hurricane Helene there may be some cancellations and delays. If you’re traveling, please check with your airline for the latest flight information," the airport said.
Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport remains open for now.
"We continue to monitor Hurricane Helene as it moves closer to Florida's Panhandle," the airport wrote on X. "FLL is open and operational, but if you're traveling today, check with your airline for updated flight status before coming out, as there are some cancellations and delays to affected regions."
Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)
Palm Beach International is open as of Thursday afternoon, though a number of delays are currently affecting outbound flights, per PBI's website .
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Orlando airport in central Florida doesn't look to be affected. "[MCO] remains open and operational," the airport said. "We're currently making preparations ahead of Hurricane Helene & will continue to monitor the storm. Please check with your airline directly for updates regarding your flight."
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