Has Hurricane Helene closed the Sunshine Skyway Bridge over Tampa Bay?

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is closed due to high wind as Hurricane Helene impacts the Tampa Bay area.

At 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, the Florida Highway Patrol said wind gusts had reached 60 miles per hour at the Skyway and closed the bridge to traffic. Authorities usually shut down the four-mile bridge when wind speeds hit 40 mph.

The signature span connects Manatee County with Tampa and St. Petersburg.

“Motorists are requested to seek alternate routes,” the agency said in a statement.

Troopers also urged drivers not to drive through flooded areas and to stay off roads entirely if possible.

“If traveling, please travel cautiously, avoid any flooded roadways, increase following distance and slow down,” FHP said.

Flooding has also been reported on roads around Anna Maria Island in the Bradenton area. Local law enforcement agencies are urging residents to stay home as the storm passes on Thursday.