TAMPA BAY, Fla. -- A key bridge across the mouth of Tampa Bay has been closed due to high winds.
Florida Highway Patrol made the decision to close the bridge just before 11 a.m. Monday as storms from Tropical Storm Emily moved through the area.
Drivers should plan for alternative routes until further notice.
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge connects St. Petersburg and Manatee County and is tied as the tallest bridge in the state, with 175 feet of clearance underneath. It is customarily closed when sustained winds in the area reach 40 miles per hour.
Skyway Bridge is now CLOSED due to high winds. When be gust in excess of 60 MPH. Seek other routes. pic.twitter.com/Im4n6jwFir
— Sgt. Steve Gaskins (@SteveG717) July 31, 2017
