Storms could bring tropical storm gusts to Bradenton. Sunshine Skyway Bridge closed.

The National Weather Service in Tampa has issued several advisories ahead of a line of severe storms expected to roll through the Bradenton area Thursday evening.

As of 3 p.m., the Sunshine Skyway Bridge is closed.

A coastal flood advisory took effect at 1 p.m. and will remain in effect until 1 p.m. on Friday. For those same 24 hours, the Weather Service also has issued a high-surf advisory and a rip current warning.

“Expect strong winds and large breaking waves, minor coastal flooding and dangerous rip currents,” the Weather Service reports. “Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion. ... Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water.”

A wind advisory also took effect at 1 p.m. and will last until 7 a.m. Friday morning. As of Thursday morning, the Weather Service was calling for gusts to reach upwards of 45 mph — tropical storm strength speeds — with steady wind speeds averaging around 25 mph.

All lanes of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge were closed due to high winds as of around 3 p.m., according to the Florida Department of Transportation. Florida Highway Patrol reported winds in excess of 40 mph near the bridge.

“Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high-profile vehicle ... secure outdoor objects,” the Weather Service reports.

Nearby in Palmetto, a wind gust of 42 miles per hour was reported, according to the National Weather Service.

The gusts are also responsible for knocking down power poles along State Road 62 near the intersection with State Road 37 in Duette. The roadway is expected to be closed in the area for several hours, according to FDOT, and possibly overnight.

Winds are expected to increase as the day turns to night.

The storms could produce heavy rain, gusty winds and, “frequent deadly lightning strikes,” prompting the Weather to issue an overall hazardous weather outlook report.

Chance of overnight rain is 100 percent.

On Friday, weather conditions will gradually, but significantly improve into a mostly sunny day with highs around 67 degrees. Overnight Friday will get chilly with a high around 48.

Saturday’s forecast for the Bradenton Area River Regatta should be ideal with sunny skies and a high around 70 degrees.

Flight delays

Severe weather is also putting air travel on hold at major airports.

As of around 4:30 p.m., Tampa International Airport announced that 151 flights were delayed and five were canceled.

At Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, 10 flights have been delayed and three are canceled. Just blocks from the airport along Sarasota Bay, a wind gust of 43 mph was recorded, according to the National Weather Service.

This story was originally published February 6, 2020 at 7:47 AM.