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We are getting some wild weather footage in the Tampa Bay area.
On Thursday afternoon, the outer bands of Hurricane Helene began hitting the Tampa Bay area with extremely gusty weather.
Video showing drivers on Tampa’s Howard Frankland Bridge while dealing with crashing waves anid Hurricane Helene have gone viral on social media.
I’m STUNNED they have not closed the Howard Frankland Bridge in Tampa Bay.
This was the live look at 3:21 with the chop from #HurricaneHelene
Please stay off the bridge! pic.twitter.com/5ZlK5AJSYW
— Jeff Butera (@BayNews9Jeff) September 26, 2024
HOWARD FRANKLIN BRIDGE NB 275 headed from St. Pete to Tampa. #HurricaneHelene @BN9 pic.twitter.com/3kngjDr4Ol
— Jason Lanning (@Jason_Lanning) September 26, 2024
The Florida Highway Patrol has since closed the bridge and was warned drivers to stay off the road.
The Skyway Bridge and the Howard Frankland Bridge are both CLOSED due to high winds and storm surge. Motorists should stay off the highways. #Helene pic.twitter.com/OAM2aMUPEP
— FHP Tampa (@FHPTampa) September 26, 2024
This is NOT your sign to record or photograph your next viral video. This is your sign to STAY INSIDE as the effects of hurricane Helene will only strengthen from this point forward until early tomorrow morning.
Don’t forget to text TAMPAREADY to 888-777 to stay up to date. pic.twitter.com/IflmqB2sAt
— Tampa Police Department (@TampaPD) September 26, 2024
Helene is currently a category 4 storm and is expected to make landfall in Northern Florida on Thursday night/ Friday morning.
BREAKING: Helene is now an extremely dangerous Category 4 storm with 130 mph winds as it closes in on Florida. Tune in to The Weather Channel now for the latest updates. pic.twitter.com/YhCXVcnw65
— The Weather Channel (@weatherchannel) September 26, 2024