TAMPA, Fla. — Hurricane Milton continues to pose "an extremely serious threat to Florida" as it moves toward the Gulf Coast.
People statewide, including in the Tampa Bay area, are heeding mandatory evacuations and seeking shelter. With that in mind, many are traveling to find safety ahead of the storm, including over Tampa Bay-area bridges.
"Keep in mind, there may come a time when it is no longer safe or possible to evacuate using these bridges," Florida transportation officials said.
Message boards on Florida roadways will display messages stating whether or not bridges are open. And while there may be law enforcement officers or physical barriers directing traffic, there will come a time when it is no longer safe to have either of them on the road.
"The public is NOT allowed to cross the bridges once they are closed and should NOT cross the bridges, even if there are no physical barriers or officers there," FDOT said.
Sunshine Skyway Bridge
Closed
The bridge closed to all traffic as of 11:30 a.m.
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge closes when sustained wind speeds exceed 45 mph.
Howard Frankland Bridge
Closed
The Howard Frankland Bridge closed in both directions shortly after 12:30 p.m.
Gandy Bridge
Westbound lanes are closed
FDOT is notified when water encroaches on the Gandy Bridge. FDOT crews work to close these bridges when the Florida Highway Patrol deems it necessary for safety.
Transportation leaders anticipate this will happen by Wednesday afternoon.
Courtney Campbell Causeway
Westbound lanes are closed
FDOT will work with Tampa and Clearwater police to close the Courtney Campbell Causeway when water levels rise and it becomes unsafe for travel.
Transportation leaders anticipate this will happen by Wednesday afternoon.
"Following landfall of Hurricane Milton, and proper safety inspections, Tampa Bay area bridges will be reopened as soon as possible," FDOT wrote.
This story will be updated.
