Weather Service Says To Prepare For Strong Winds, High Surf

TAMPA BAY, FL — Due to winds in excess of 40 mph, the Skyway Bridge is now closed in both directions. Motorists should seek alternate travel routes.

The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory in effect now through Friday at 7 a.m.

The NWS said to expect southwest winds of 20 to 25 mph with gusts of 45 mph in portions of west central Florida. Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.

The NWS has also issued a coastal flood advisory and a high surf advisory in effect now through Friday at 1 a.m. Additionally, a high rip current risk is in effect through Friday afternoon.

Residents can expect strong winds and large breaking waves, minor coastal flooding and dangerous rip currents expected in Pinellas, coastal Hillsborough, coastal Manatee, coastal Sarasota, coastal Charlotte and coastal Lee counties.

The NWS said there will be dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion. The NWS reminds residents that rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water.