TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The Florida Highway Patrol is closing the Sunshine Skyway Bridge ahead of Hurricane Helene. FHP closed the bridge after wind gusts hit 60 MPH as weather conditions deteriorated due to Helene. Motorists are requested to seek alternate routes, avoiding flooded roadways unless absolutely necessary.

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.