Tampa International Airport plans to stay open through Tropical Storm Nicole

Tampa International Airport is not planning to close for Tropical Storm Nicole.

Airport officials said they don’t expect significant impacts from the storm. The airport did close during the much stronger Hurricane Ian, which made landfall near Fort Myers . Nicole is expected to hit Florida’s East Coast as a Category 1 hurricane, according to the National Hurricane Center. The region could start feeling Nicole’s effect beginning Wednesday night.

Flights may still be delayed or canceled so travelers should check directly with airlines for up-to-date information. About 16 flights going through Tampa have been delayed and six have been canceled as of midday Wednesday according to airline tracker FlightAware. Two flights have been delayed and six canceled for Thursday.

The Tampa Bay area is currently under a tropical storm warning. Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 34 counties, including Hillsborough and Pasco counties.

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2022 Tampa Bay Times Hurricane Guide

IT'S STORM SEASON: Get ready and stay informed at tampabay.com/hurricane.

FORECAST: The ‘cone of uncertainty’ can be confusing. Here’s how to read it.

MODELS: How reliable are hurricane models? Hurricane Ian gave us some answers.

EVACUATIONS: Fewer evacuated to shelters during Hurricane Ian. How can Tampa Bay stay safe?

WHAT TO EXPECT IN A SHELTER: What to bring — and not bring — plus information on pets, keeping it civil and more.

WHAT TO DO IF HURRICANE DAMAGES YOUR HOME: Stay calm, then call your insurance company.

PREPARING FOR A HURRICANE: Make a plan, listen to experts, and know there’s help available if you need it.

DOUBLE-CHECK: Checklists for building all kinds of hurricane kits

PHONE IT IN: Use your smartphone to protect your data, documents and photos.

SELF-CARE: Protect your mental health during a hurricane.

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Rising Threat: A special report on flood risk and climate change

PART 1: The Tampa Bay Times partnered with the National Hurricane Center for a revealing look at future storms.

PART 2: Even weak hurricanes can cause huge storm surges. Experts say people don't understand the risk.

PART 3: Tampa Bay has huge flood risk. What should we do about it?

INTERACTIVE MAP: Search your Tampa Bay neighborhood to see the hurricane flood risk.