Tampa International Airport (KTPA) is among the airfields closed this morning as the Southeast U.S. braces for the impact of Hurricane Helene, which is expected to make landfall tonight in Florida’s Tallahassee area as at least a Category 3 storm.
Airports on the state’s west coast and Big Bend, including St. Pete-Clearwater International (KPIE) and Tallahassee International (KTLH), expect to remain closed until tomorrow due to high winds, heavy rain, and a potential storm surge of up to 20 feet in the Florida panhandle. Additionally, there is the possibility that Helene could spawn tornadoes throughout the region.
NBAA’s Air Traffic Services noted that aircraft operators should frequently check notams for further closure information, adding that on the Gulf Coast side of Florida almost all air traffic routes are closed. Most traffic is being rerouted onto the state’s east coast due to sector unavailability on the west side.
After landfall, Helene is expected to turn northwestward and slow down over the Tennessee Valley on Friday and Saturday. While no Georgia airports have yet announced closures, Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency for the state on Tuesday.