HELENE: Monitor real-time traffic conditions in Tampa Bay due to Helene

TAMPA, Fla. — Helene is expected to bring strong winds, heavy rains and storm surge to the Tampa Bay area. Evacuation orders have been given ahead of the storm.

Some roads and bridges will start to see increased traffic due to evacuations. Our Real-Time Traffic Map will help you check the roads before you head out and before you return home.

Use our Real-Time Traffic Map below to check on the status of the roads near you.

JUST IN: Following guidance from the U.S. Coast Guard, Pinellas County plans to lock its three movable bridges in the closed position at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25, in advance of Hurricane Helene. The Dunedin Causeway bridges, Beckett Bridge in Tarpon Springs and Park Boulevard Bridge in Seminole will remain open to vehicle traffic, but will not open for boat traffic until conditions are clear following the storm.

Owners of high clearance boats that need to move them to a more secure location before the storm should do so before the bridges close tonight.

The Florida Highway Patrol and Florida Department of Transportation will close the Sunshine Skyway bridge when wind speeds reach about 45 mph. The Gandy Bridge, Howard Frankland Bridge and/or Courtney Campbell Causeway will be closed if wave action makes travel unsafe.

JUST IN: The Florida Division of Emergency Management has partnered to provide free rides to state-approved shelters (up to $35 rides) in counties under a state of emergency for Helene. Open the Uber app, tap Account and Wallet, and add promo code HELENERELIEF