Hurricane Milton causing airport closures in Florida

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Florida’s Gulf Coast is bracing Tuesday for the impact of Hurricane Milton’s winds and expected massive storm surge, which could bring destruction to areas already reeling from Helene’s devastation 12 days ago and still recovering from Ian’s wrath two years ago.

As the storm approaches, several Florida airports are set to close. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest flight information and updates.

• Tampa International Airport said it planned to stop flights at 9 a.m. Tuesday and restart when it’s safe to do so and all damages can be assessed. Airport officials said it is in an “A” evacuation zone and not a shelter for people or their cars.
• St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport said it is in a mandatory evacuation zone and will close after the last flight leaves on Tuesday, remaining closed through Thursday.
• Orlando International Airport will cease operations starting at 8 a.m. on Wednesday.
• Southwest Florida International Airport in Lee County, Florida, will operate no flights Wednesday or Thursday.
• With both not currently in Milton’s path, Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport will remain open, but officials are monitoring the storm’s movements.

Walt Disney World said it is operating normally for the time being.

Milton was downgraded early Tuesday to a Category 4 hurricane, but forecasters said it still posed “an extremely serious threat to Florida.” It’s expected to make landfall at Category 3 strength. Milton had intensified quickly Monday, becoming a Category 5 storm at midday with maximum sustained winds of 180 mph before being downgraded.

Tampa Bay has not been hit directly by a major hurricane since 1921, and authorities fear luck is about to run out for the region and its 3.3 million residents.

“This is the real deal here with Milton,” Tampa Mayor Jane Castor told a Monday news conference. “If you want to take on Mother Nature, she wins 100% of the time.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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