TAMPA, Fla. — Inbound and outbound vessel traffic to Port Tampa Bay has ceased in preparation for Hurricane Helene, officials said in a news release.
At 8 p.m. on Wednesday, the U.S. Coast Guard reportedly said the possibility of heavy winds could impact the port's operations within the next 12 hours, leading to shipping channels being closed. But, officials added that landside operations will continue "as long as safely as possible."
"Port Tampa Bay is working with the National Weather Service, U. S. Coast Guard and state and local partners to monitor the potential impact of Hurricane Helene in the Gulf," Officials stated in the release. "As always, the Port’s priorities are safety of life, protection of the environment, and maritime commerce resiliency."
Hurricane Helene will also reportedly have a heavy impact on the port's cruise schedule. Guests with questions should contact their cruise line directly for information on changing itineraries, according to officials
The customer service lines for cruises sailing from Port Tampa Bay this week are as follows:
- Carnival Cruise Line: 1-800-764-7419
- Margaritaville at Sea: 1-800-814-7100
- Royal Caribbean International: 1-800-256-6649
"Port Tampa Bay is doing all it can to prepare for Hurricane Helene, and to ensure safety of life, protection of the environment, and maritime commerce resiliency," officials stated.
For more storm-related updates at Port Tampa Bay, click here.
The National Hurricane Center has issued hurricane and storm surge warnings for parts of Florida's Gulf Coast, including the Tampa Bay area. Read the latest on Hurricane Helene and its trajectory here.
We will continue to provide the latest information through your 10 Tampa Bay hurricane headquarters.
