Florida Gov. Declares State Of Emergency Ahead Of Tropical Storm Colin

TALLAHASSEE, FL — Florida Gov. Rick Scott has declared a state of emergency ahead of Tropical Storm Colin’s arrival in the Big Bend area.

The declaration covers multiple counties the storm is anticipated to impact Monday afternoon. In the Tampa Bay area, counties included are Sarasota, Pasco, Manatee, Hillsborough, Pinellas and Hernando. The declaration makes it easier for the state to request federal assistance should storm damage warrant the need.

“Tropical Storm Colin poses a severe threat to the State of Florida and requires that timely precautions are taken to protect the communities, critical infrastructure, and general welfare of this state,” Scott’s executive order stated.

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.

County governments throughout the Tampa Bay area have activated or partially activated their emergency operations centers ahead of the storm. Sandbags are also being offered to residents by local county and city governments.

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.

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.

Photo courtesy of Gov. Rick Scott’s Facebook page