Tropical Storm Colin Map Tracker - First Hurricane of 2016 Season?
Moving towards Florida in the next couple of hours, Tropical Storm Colin is threatening parts of the country with strong winds and heavy rains as it is projected to be first hurricane in the US for this year.
Data from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) showed that the weather disturbance will batter Florida Monday night until early Tuesday morning. It is expected to bring maximum sustained winds of 50mph.
On Monday morning, NJ.com said the tropical storm was seen cruising through the Gulf of Mexico. It could still gain strength as it approaches land. Florida is now anticipating strong winds, heavy rains and even the possibility of destructive tornadoes.
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The projection for Colin is that it will make its way towards Georgia, South and North Carolina on Tuesday then proceed to the east and north. Forecasters said it will not affect parts of New Jersey with its track forecast.
Aside from the threats of tornadoes, NBC News warned residents that it could also cause massive flooding. An estimated 8 inches of rainfall will come with the tropical storm which could inundate western Florida, Carolinas coastal areas and eastern Georgia.
On his Twitter account, Florida Gov. Rick Scott encouraged every family to prepare for the storm. "Tropical depression we've been monitoring strengthened to Tropical Storm Colin. Even more important now to prepare," Scott tweeted.
Gov. Scott Reminds Floridians and Visitors to Remain Prepared for Tropical Depression https://t.co/DemPrG96Wm
— Rick Scott (@FLGovScott) June 5, 2016
He projected that the storm will affect the state but claimed that there will be no serious issues in Florida. He noted that they could see some rain, flooding, tornadoes and storm surge but that would be all.
NBC News added that the coasts in Georgia and Florida are closely being monitored as waves could destroy boats, infrastructure and homes. Sandbags have already been distributed to the people of Tampa Bay and Petersburg to lessen the impact of strong currents and also flooding.
Florida resident Ronald Milligan, 74, was among those who wanted to get sandbags for his home since he claimed that he was worried that the water in front of his residence will continue to increase.
"If last night was a 'no storm' -- and the water was almost up to the hump in my yard -- I'm worried," Milligan told NBC News. He added that he has never prepared for a storm like this in the past.
As for the schools, students are scheduled to be dismissed early Monday while roads are expected to be cleared around 3 p.m. The coastlines which are expected to be affected by Colin have also been cleared and prepped up for the possible effects of this weather disturbance.
