Update on Tropical Storm Colin
TAMPA BAY, FL TropicalStorm Colin remained on a collision course for Floridas Big Bend area Monday afternoon after strengthening somewhat in the overnight hours.
As of 5 p.m. Monday,forecasters at the National Hurricane Center placed the storm about 190 miles west of Tampa. The storm is anticipated to arrive in the Big Bendarea in the afternoon or evening hours Monday.
Tropical storm warnings havebeen issued from Indian Pass to Englewood. The storms maximum sustained windswere near 50 mph Monday morning with little change in strength expected duringthe day Monday.
While the Tampa Bay area isexpected to escape a direct hit from the storm, forecasters are bracing forheavy rains, increased tornado risk and the potential of high tides 1 to 3 feetabove normal in the region. The entire Tampa Bay area has also been placed under a floodwatch until early Tuesday morning.
County governmentsthroughout the Tampa Bay area have activated or partially activated theiremergency operations centers ahead of the storm. Sandbags are also beingoffered to residents by local county and city governments.
Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm. The declaration covers all Tampa Bay area counties.
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In Pasco County, government officials closed schools early and were warning of possible tornadoes. Wind gusts of up to 70 mph are expected in the afternoon hours.
Pinellas County schools also let students go home early ahead of the storm"s arrival.
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge was closed to traffic due to wind gusts clocked at 57 mph as of late Monday morning. Thousands of residents in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties have also reported power outages.
The Tampa Bay area hasnt beenstruck by a hurricane in more than 90 years. The last major storm to come closeto the region was Hurricane Charley back in August 2004. That category 4 stormripped through Charlotte County, leaving four people dead and an estimated11,000 homes damaged.
While Tampa Bay has been lucky, experts say thestreak isnt likely to last. Its not a question of if, but when, forecasterssay.
To get ready,residents are urged to create their own emergency kits, including food and waterfor at least three days. They should also know their evacuation routes, havetheir renter or homeowners insurance documents handy and should have a plan onwhere to go and what to do if a storm strikes.
To find outmore about hurricane season and storm preparation, read these related Patchstories:
To keep upwith storm activity as the season develops, bookmark the NationalHurricane Centers website andkeep an eye on your hometown Patch site for local information.
Graphics courtesy of the National Hurricane Center
Source: http://patch.com/florida/southtampa/tropical-storm-colin-strengthens-way-florida-0
