On Wednesday, Tampa International Airport announced that it will suspend all operations starting at 3 p.m. due to Hurricane Eta, a category one storm that has put all of Tampa Bay under a tornado warning until 5 p.m. today.
A press release from TIA said that operations at the airport are “expected to resume Thursday by noon, but could reopen earlier if the airfield and terminal areas are deemed fit.”
Hillsborough Area Regional Transit is also suspending bus operations at noon on Wednesday.
TIA advises its passengers should check with their airlines for flight status updates. What’s more is that TIA, including the main terminal and parking garages, will be closed to all visitors at that time.
The airport also reminded Tameños that TPA is not a designated storm shelter. WTSP points out that five shelters in Hillsborough County and two in Manatee have opened in advance of the hurricane making landfall near Florida’s Nature Coast. In Hillsborough, Shelters are opened on an “as-needed” basis.
According to the release, the closure allows the airport “to prepare the airfield and terminals, including the securing of jet bridges, ground equipment and any remaining aircraft.”
WFTS’ Denis Phillips wrote that the worst of Eta will happen in Tampa Bay this afternoon and evening. He expects heavy rains and gusty winds from about 40 mph-50 mph, possible tornadoes, and power outages later today and this evening.
He also urged Tampa Bay to remain calm.
“ ...let's take a breath and look at what is happening here. The storm has peaked. Convection has dropped off significantly in the last few hours as dry air has been sucked into it,” Phillips wrote. “So, it seems VERY unlikely this storm will get any stronger, and it is LIKELY it will weaken somewhat this afternoon.”
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