Pasco-Hernando State College Closing Early Monday

TAMPA BAY, FL — Pasco-Hernando State College students don’t have to worry about heading to class on Monday afternoon. The college has announced the closing of all five campuses at noon.

The closing announcement comes ahead of Tropical Storm Colin’s impending arrival. Anticipated heavy winds and possible flooding concerns prompted the closing, the college reported in an email to media.

“Normal operations are expected to resume on Tuesday, June 7 unless otherwise notified,” the email said.

For updates, students are asked to visit the school’s website at www.phsc.edu.

The closing was announced shortly after Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency across several Florida counties, including Hillsborough.

See Also:

• Tropical Storm Colin Edges Closer To Florida

As of Monday at 11 a.m., forecasters at the National Hurricane Center placed the storm about 285 miles west-southwest of Tampa. The storm is anticipated to arrive in the Big Bend area in the afternoon or evening hours Monday.

Tropical storm warnings have been issued from Indian Pass to Englewood. The storm’s maximum sustained winds were near 50 mph Monday morning with little change in strength expected during the day Monday.

While the Tampa Bay area is expected to escape a direct hit from the storm, forecasters are bracing for heavy rains, increased tornado risk and the potential of high tides 1 to 3 feet above normal in the region. The entire Tampa Bay area has also been placed under a flood watch until 8 a.m. Tuesday.

Image courtesy of the National Weather Service's Facebook page