The Sunshine Skyway closed around 11:30 a.m. when sustained wind speeds hit 45 miles per hour. These bridges across Tampa Bay are typically shut down once waters rise and waves crash against the barriers, creating hazardous conditions on the roads. The Howard Frankland bridge closure came much earlier than it did during Hurricane Helene, when authorities waited until almost 4 p.m. to halt traffic.With Hurricane Milton’s winds now projected to reach 130 miles per hour, the Skyway, located at the mouth of Tampa Bay, will likely face the brunt of the storm. As the afternoon progressed, an unsettling calm settled over the bay. The Howard Frankland was nearly empty, with the few cars still on the road heading out of Pinellas County. Overhead highway signs delivered stark messages: tolls suspended, evacuations ordered, and bridge closures imminent.As Hurricane Milton barrels toward the Tampa Bay area, critical infrastructure such as the Sunshine Skyway and Howard Frankland bridges have been closed to safeguard motorists from rising waters and powerful winds. With evacuation orders in place, residents are urged to heed warnings and prepare for the severe impacts expected from the storm.
Nature
Yayınlanma: 09 October 2024 - 21:48
Major Tampa Bay Bridges Close as Hurricane Milton Approaches
The Sunshine Skyway and Howard Frankland bridges were shut down Wednesday as winds and waves intensified ahead of Hurricane Milton’s impending landfall. The westbound lanes of the Gandy Bridge and Courtney Campbell Causeway also closed around 12:45 p.m., cutting off access to Pinellas County, while eastbound lanes toward Hillsborough County remain open.
Nature
09 October 2024 - 21:48
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