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.

We will continue to monitor closures. You can also click here for school closure updates. Be sure to have our FREE app on your phone so you can have us with you at all times.

[Source: TampaAirport.com]

Monday will be the day to prepare in Tampa Bay as a category 3 hurricane is now forecasted to make landfall in Florida sometime tomorrow.

The time frame still looks to be late Tuesday night into Wednesday when Idalia's force will be felt here in the Tampa area. The exact point of landfall isn't as important. We know the entire Tampa Bay area will experience high winds and heavy rain.

Here are the latest observations on what will become Hurricane Idalia sometime today from Denis Phillips from ABC Action News as well as other Tampa weather experts.

While there certainly could be more turns coming... here's the latest as of lunchtime Monday.

We are now under Storm Surge and Hurricane Warnings.

Small shifts can make a big difference.

Those who live along the coast really need to pay attention to this.

Paul from Fox 13 says don't get caught up in the category debate... prepare for the water.

Storm surge and high winds are expected to become a problem late tomorrow.

Our entire Q105 listening area is expected to feel the impact of Idalia.

Last night Denis answered viewer questions...

Right now Idalia is still just a tropical storm, but that will likely change today.

Know before you go...

Today is our day to prepare...