Hermine strengthens to hurricane as it speeds toward Florida

MIAMI – The National Hurricane Center says data from an air force aircraft indicates that Hermine has strengthened to a hurricane, with maximum sustained winds increasing to near 75 mph (120 kph).

Hermine's upgrade from tropical storm makes it the fourth hurricane of 2016 in the Atlantic basin.

The Florida Highway Patrol has closed the Sunshine Skyway Bridge on the Gulf Coast due to high winds from Tropical Storm Hermine (Her-MEEN).   The bridge was closed shortly before 1 p.m. Thursday. Motorists are asked to find an alternate route.

FHP spokesman Steve Gaskins said in a release that winds averaged 46 MPH and gusted to 56 MPH.

The giant yellow bridge is along Interstate 275. It spans Tampa Bay between St. Petersburg and Manatee County.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott says Tropical Storm Hermine (Her-MEEN) is potentially life-threatening, and he's urging Gulf Coast residents to take precautions immediately.

At a news conference Thursday, Scott said officials expect storm surges, flooding, power outages, high winds and downed trees when as the storm comes ashore. Forecasters say Hermine will likely become a Category 1 hurricane before it strikes the upper Gulf Coast later Thursday or early Friday.

Scott says people in the area should take action now to protect themselves and ensure they have enough food, medicine and water.

The governor also says 6,000 National Guard members are ready to mobilize once the storm has passed.