Story ID: 
Hurricane Idalia Snarls Florida Aviation Traffic
By: Curt Epstein
Caption: With thousands facing power outages, Florida's airports clean up and resume operations
Word Count: 262
Hurricane Idalia made landfall this morning as a Category 3 storm in Florida’s Big Bend region—where the panhandle meets the peninsula on the Gulf Coast—packing strong winds and heavy rain. In addition to causing power outages for hundreds of thousands of residents, Idalia was responsible for airport closures throughout the region.
Venice Municipal Airport (KVNC) closed last night at 8 p.m. but was back in operation this morning, as was Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport (KSRQ), while Tampa International Airport (KTPA) ceased all commercial operations at noon Tuesday. Authorities there today reported that the facility sustained minimal damage from the storm and will begin receiving incoming flights today at 4 p.m., with departing flights and normal operations to resume early Thursday morning. At St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (KPIE), operations ceased at 3 p.m. yesterday and an airport spokesperson told AIN they would resume this afternoon.
Tallahassee International Airport (KTLH), which serves the state's capital, closed last night at 11 p.m. and is not expected to reopen until Thursday morning.
According to the National Weather Service, a weakened Idalia will likely travel directly over Savannah, Georgia, this evening, and a spokesperson from Savannah International Airport (KSAV) stated that while all scheduled departing flights for the remainder of today have been canceled, the airport will remain open to any arriving flights.
Gulfstream Aerospace told AIN that all outdoor equipment and aircraft at its KSAV headquarters and production facility have been secured or moved as needed to ensure protection and safe operations.