Skyway Bridge Closes To All Traffic

TAMPA BAY, FL — The Florida Highway Patrol has announced the Sunshine Skyway Bridge has been closed to all traffic ahead of Tropical Strom Colin’s arrival. The closing was announced just after 11 a.m. Monday.

The patrol reports that wind gusts of up to 52 mph have been reported at the top of the bridge.

It is unclear how long the closing will last.

Tropical Storm Colin remained on a collision course for Florida’s Big Bend area Monday morning after strengthening somewhat in the overnight hours.

As of 11 a.m. Monday, forecasters at the National Hurricane Center placed the storm about 285 miles west-southwest of Tampa. The storm is anticipated to arrive in the Big Bend area in the afternoon or evening hours Monday.

Tropical storm warnings have been issued from Indian Pass to Englewood. The storm’s maximum sustained winds were near 50 mph Monday morning with little change in strength expected during the day Monday.

While the Tampa Bay area is expected to escape a direct hit from the storm, forecasters are bracing for heavy rains, increased tornado risk and the potential of high tides 1 to 3 feet above normal in the region. The entire Tampa Bay area has also been placed under a flood watch until 8 a.m. Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of the Florida Highway Patrol