Tropical Storm Colin Brings 50 MPH Winds to Florida

TAMPA BAY, FL — Tropical Storm Colin remained on a collision course for Florida’s Big Bend area Monday evening after strengthening somewhat Sunday night.

As of 8 p.m. Monday, forecasters at the National Hurricane Center placed the storm about 45 miles south-southeast of Apalachicola and 95 west of Cedar Key. Tropical storm warnings were issued from Indian Pass to Englewood. The storm’s maximum sustained winds were near 50 mph Monday evening.

While the Tampa Bay area escaped a direct hit from the storm, the region has experienced heavy rains, strong winds and some localized flooding. The entire Tampa Bay area has also been placed under a flood watch until Tuesday night.

Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm. The declaration covers all Tampa Bay area counties.

See Also:

• Thousands Without Power As Tropical Storm Colin Approaches
• Skyway Bridge Closes To All Traffic
• Florida Gov. Rick Scott Declares State Of Emergency

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 hasn’t been struck by a hurricane in more than 90 years. The last major storm to come close to the region was Hurricane Charley back in August 2004. That category 4 storm ripped through Charlotte County, leaving four people dead and an estimated 11,000 homes damaged.

While Tampa Bay has been lucky, experts say the streak isn’t likely to last. It’s not a question of if, but when, forecasters say.

To get ready, residents are urged to create their own emergency kits, including food and water for at least three days. They should also know their evacuation routes, have their renter or homeowner’s insurance documents handy and should have a plan on where to go and what to do if a storm strikes.

To find out more about hurricane season and storm preparation, read these related Patch stories:

• Hurricane Season 2016: Where To Find Local Information
• 2016 Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast Released
• Hurricane Season: How to Prepare
• Tampa Bay 'Ripe for Disaster,' Hurricane Experts Say

To keep up with storm activity as the season develops, bookmark the National Hurricane Center’s website and keep an eye on your hometown Patch site for local information.

Graphics courtesy of the National Hurricane Center