After last year’s near miss with Hurricane Ian, Tampa International Airport has been working hard to be ready for the 2023 hurricane season. The Airport has learned a lot of lessons after closing last September ahead of Ian, which had been predicted to hit Tampa Bay. The storm’s last-minute landfall in Fort Myers highlights the importance of preparing for the worst.
“The unpredictable nature of storms is something we recognize as a risk and our goal is to always err on the side of caution and safety,” TPA Vice President of Operations Adam Bouchard said. “Shifts in storms at the very last moment can have devastating consequences. And we strive to always be prepared for the worst.”
The upcoming hurricane season
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has forecast a near-average season this year, predicting between 12 to 17 named storms and 5 to 9 hurricanes, with 1 to 4 of those being Category 3 or higher.
The Hillsborough County Aviation Authority monitors any storms that may be a threat. With preparations starting long before the region ends up in the cone of uncertainty.
Related: How To Save Money While Preparing for Hurricane Season
Airport staff discuss potential conditions and how to respond as situations evolve. The Authority also works closely with NOAA, Hillsborough County, the City of Tampa, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Transportation Safety Administration and other Airport partners to coordinate efforts.
“There is a lot of work that goes into deciding whether to suspend operations and preserve TPA so that we can reopen quickly. In scenarios where we have to close,” Bouchard said.
Prepping the airport
Key factors in those decisions include when sustained winds reach 50 m.p.h., because aircraft and critical Airport systems cannot function. Depending on the weather event and its timing, a suspension time has to be identified well before these stronger winds arrive. This allows time to secure the Airport infrastructure that could be damaged by strong winds. And ensure passengers and employees have time to get home and even evacuate if necessary.
Damage potential also must be assessed. TPA has a complex drainage system that runs throughout the grounds. This is designed to keep water off runways, taxiways and airfield facilities. While heavy rain or storm surge may temporarily flood the airfield to an extent, it is designed to drain expediently to resume normal operations. However, with extreme inundation, as could occur with a major hurricane, getting water to recede quickly may take time.
Planning also includes deciding whether it’s safe to stay open. TPA elected to remain open during Tropical Storm Nicole in November. Aside from some delays and cancelations, the Airport operated safely and efficiently during and after that storm.
And while summer months can include some inconvenient changes to air travel plans, there are some steps you can take. Here are some tips to help you during storm-prone months:
Check the forecast
Before you head to the Airport. Be sure to look up the weather not just on the day you’re flying, but during the course of your trip. That will give you an idea if any problems may arise, and whether you’ll be in the potential path of a storm.
Call your airline
If it looks like your flight may be affected, call your carrier ahead of time. They will be able to give you the latest information about how conditions are affecting your route. Be aware if your airline has an app or online chat feature, which are often faster than using the phone when hundreds of people are looking to be rebooked.
Be an early bird
Hurricane season also marks the return of normal stormy weather in the Tampa Bay region. These sometimes heavy thunderstorms tend to kick in during the afternoon and can cause delays and cancellations. If you want to avoid them, try to schedule your flights earlier in the morning, before the rains really kick in.
Make a plan
If there are potential delays or cancellations on the horizon, have a plan in place for family, pets, and property. Just in case you can’t easily get where you want to be. Considering what you may do in such circumstances should be part of revisiting your emergency plan each season. In the event of a closure, the Airport is not equipped to serve as a public shelter. Please don’t bring your pets and cars on-site to stay safe from a storm. Information about emergency shelters, evacuation zones, storm preparation and more is available from the Hillsborough County government’s storm safety webpage. TPA Police Officers and Guest Services Representatives will help direct travelers who need shelter to the nearest open locations.
Be patient
Nobody likes it when foul weather ruins travel plans, so try not to take it out on others. Airline and Airport staff want to help, but please remember that they are trying to help everyone else, too. Visit the Information Desk on the third floor of the Main Terminal to learn about helpful amenities.