Tampa Airport, Zoos Announce Closures As Tropical Storm Eta Nears

TAMPA BAY, FL — Tampa International Airport will suspend all operations beginning at 3 p.m. Wednesday due to Eta, which continues to threaten the Tampa Bay region with strong winds though it's been downgraded from a hurricane to a tropical storm.

All passengers should check with their airlines for flight status updates. The airport, including the main terminal and parking garages, will be closed to all visitors at that time. TPA is not a designated storm shelter.

All operations are expected to resume Thursday by noon, but could reopen earlier if the airfield and terminal areas are deemed fit.

The St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport will remain open but some airlines, including Allegiant Airlines, are canceling flights.

Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport has closed.

ZooTampa at Lowry Park will close at noon Wednesday and will remain closed Thursday, Nov. 12.

ZooTampa has a comprehensive severe weather preparedness plan in place to ensure the safety of the animals and team members.

For the latest updates on Tropical Storm Eta, subscribe to free News Alerts.

As Tropical Storm Eta's path moves towards the Tampa Bay area, the zoo team continues to make preparations, including securing loose items, moving larger animals into their night houses, which are built to withstand major storms, and smaller mammals and birds into ancillary buildings. Additionally, if the situation warrants it, the zoo will institute a storm-ride-out-team made up of animal care professionals and veterinary staff.

Busch Gardens announced that it also will be closed Wednesday.

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium will close at 3 p.m. Wednesday.

The Florida Aquarium is currently operating under normal business hours Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. but is monitoring weather conditions and will notify guests if operating hours change. Check social media channels for updates.

The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority buses have stopped operating for the day.

The St. Pete Pier is closed for the remainder of Wednesday and Thursday.

Stay tuned for more updates on closures due to Hurricane Eta.