Airports, Hundreds of Flights Canceled as Gulf Coast Braces for Hurricane Idalia

As Florida and the Gulf Coast brace for what experts say could be a “life-threatening” storm, hundreds of flights are being canceled in and out of the state as many attempt to evacuate ahead of Hurricane Idalia.

St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport and Tampa International Airport shut down Tuesday afternoon ahead of the impending storm, as both are located where storm surge is expected to reach water levels up to 15 feet.

“A significant amount of water would certainly slow down our recovery and reopening and that’s why it’s so critical that we are suspending operations when we are,” Tampa International Airport Operations Director John Tiliacos said Monday during a press conference.

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