A fatal accident blocks part of I-4 during Hurricane Helene

TAMPA, Fla. – A deadly crash has partially blocked I-4 in Tampa as Hurricane Helene passes Tampa Bay.

The accident was reported at mile marker 1 around 7:53 p.m., troopers said. Traffic cameras show a sign that appears to have been knocked over and a heavy police presence as officers investigate the accident.

Little is known about the crash at this time, but many county leaders in the Tampa Bay area are urging residents to seek shelter and stay off the highway as the Category 4 storm moves through.

At last update, Hurricane Helene remains a Category 4 storm as it is expected to bring damaging hurricane-force winds and storm surge to the Big Bend region of Florida on Thursday evening.

As Hurricane Helene approaches the northeastern Gulf Coast, “catastrophic” winds and storm surge are expected in parts of the region, according to the National Hurricane Center.