Sunshine Skyway Bridge reopens as wind subsides

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) -- The Florida Highway Patrol has reopened the Sunshine Skyway Bridge near St. Petersburg, more than two days after it was closed due to high winds from Tropical Storm Debby.

Traffic began driving across the bridge that spans Tampa Bay around 3 a.m. Wednesday. Troopers closed the bridge on Sunday afternoon as winds from Debby pummeled the Tampa Bay area.

The bridge remained closed as high winds continued over the area as the storm crossed northern Florida.

The FHP says winds had receded to 20 mph, with gusts of 22 mph by Wednesday morning.

At one point Monday, many of the major bridges in the Tampa Bay area were closed to traffic because of wind and flooding.

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