Tampa Airport To Suspend Flights July 6 As TS Elsa Nears

TAMPA BAY, FL — Due to the latest forecast of Tropical Storm Elsa, which includes wind speeds of up to 65 to 70 miles per hour, Tampa International Airport will be suspending commercial operations at 5 p.m. Tuesday and suspending air cargo operations by 10 p.m.

At this time, TPA is planning to resume operations at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 7, after assessing the airport property for storm damage.

All travelers should check with their airlines for the most up-to-date flight schedules over the next two to three days.

As a reminder, the airport is not an emergency shelter for people or vehicles, as it is not designed or equipped with the supplies to handle an influx of evacuees.

Over the weekend, TPA began preparing its airfield and facilities, cleaning up construction sites, stowing equipment and tying down jet bridges in anticipation of the storm's arrival.

Tampa International will begin shutting down parts of its airfield and facilities as wind speeds ramp up. At 40 mph sustained winds, TPA will see minimal activity, with the airside shuttles and SkyConnect stopping or reducing in frequency.

At 50 mph sustained winds, all airport operations will stop.

Stay tuned to Patch for updates on Tropical Storm Elsa. Subscribe to your local Patch newsletter. You can also have them delivered to your phone screen by downloading from iTunes, or by visiting the Google Play store.

Sarasota Bradenton International Airport will suspend commercial operations at 6:30 p.m. after the last commercial flight lands. The airport expects to resume operations Wednesday at 6 a.m. Check your airline for the status of your flight.

St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport said the tenants at the airport are responsible for any closures or delays, and advised travelers to check with their airlines about the status of their flights.

So far, the Allegiant has announced three canceled flights at the airport with other flights delayed.

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