Tampa International Airport suspending operations ahead of Hurricane Helene

Airports prepare for Hurricane Helene

Briona Arradondo reports

TAMPA, Fla. - Tampa International Airport is suspending operations on Thursday as Florida continues to brace for Hurricane Helene.

Officials said all commercial and cargo operations are suspended effective at 2 a.m. on Thursday. The airport, including its main terminal and airsides, won't be open to the public and will not be equipped to be used as a shelter for people or vehicles during the storm.

Hurricane Helene: County-by-county guide

Hurricane Helene: TPA suspending operations

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The airport is expected to be closed to the public until it can be checked for damage after the storm passes the Tampa Bay area. They are expecting to reopen on Friday after they assess damages.

TPA officials and its partners will be preparing the airfield ahead of the suspension to secure jet bridges, ground equipment and any remaining aircrafts before the storm arrives.

The three other airports managed by the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, which includes Peter O. Knight, Tampa Executive, and Plant City Airports, will also close at 2 a.m. Thursday.

MORE: Hurricane Helene: Here's what's closed in the Bay Area

Travelers should contact their airline for the latest flight information and are urged to monitor the weather closely.

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