Tropical Storm Colin tracking towards Florida

As of 4AM Tropical Storm Colin had increased in intensity and is tracking north/northeast at 14 mph with sustained winds of 50 mph. A rapid northeastward motion is expected tonight and Tuesday. On this track, the center of Colin is forecast to approach the coast of the Florida Big Bend area this afternoon or evening, and move across portions of Florida and southeastern Georgia early Tuesday morning. Max sustained winds have increased to near 50 mph. Some additional strengthening is possible during the next 48 hours.

Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 185 miles. Colin is expected to produce rainfall amounts of 3-5 inches with isolated maximum totals of 8 inches towards the Yucatan peninsula, western Cuba, western and northern Florida, southeastern Georgia, and the coastal areas of the Carolinas through Tuesday.

The combination of a storm surge and the tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters. Indian Pass to Tampa Bay could see 1′ to 3′ with slightly higher amounts possible in a few locations. Tampa Bay south to Florida Bay 1′ to 2′. A few tornadoes are possible today and tonight for Florida and southern Georgia. For additional weather updates follow @ABC17Stormtrack on Twitter.