Tropical Storm Colin Blows In!

Here it comes . . . Sunday

Tropical Storm Colin visited us today (Monday 6-6-16).  Sunday we were upgraded from a storm watch to a warning including the note that high and significant astronomical tides were also a feature along with wind that would push the tide in.  Emergency Operations Center in the county 'partially activated.' Flooding a major concern with storm surge and 5-8 inches of rain in 24 hours. The governor declared a 'state of emergency' which apparently gives access to federal relief funds and mobilized the national guard.

After high tide Monday

Well Sunday we had high winds and driving rain with great thunder and then Monday noontime the winds did push the tide - up to our parking garage. Hard to tell in this picture but the sea was fierce. Of course, there are always some nuts who decide to jump in the sea . . . Complacency is apparently a big concern.

Our hurricane shutters are down -- giving us the sensation of living in a dungeon and they are rattling away in the wind.  Every so often I go and crack them open to look out. This is a dis-organized storm (really!) so the weak 'center' is passing to the north, but the more severe weather is to the east of the storm center and is passing directly over us.  I filled the bathtub. Weather radio and text/email alert system go into overdrive.

With wind at 50 mph, water levels continue to be elevated and their is a risk of flying debris.  Still some people on the beach!

Went to work.  This is about two blocks from my office on my way home.  We tried an alternate route.

Local schools and government offices shut early. Here's Madeira Beach docks on the bay side - remember our isle is less that 1 mile wide!

This is forecast to go on through the night to the next high tide at circa 3 am Tuesday.  Streets just south of us are reported flooded to extent lower island is cut off.

And to the north in Indian Rocks Beach.

Evening news report has just had to announce not to panic as so much news coverage has over worried some (and under worried those in the sea I would add!). Tampa officials then talk about future evacuation.  A bit confusing, but this is not a hurricane! Of course the news reporters are all out in rain gear and boots standing in the flood waters.

Not good for the turtle nests all of which I think have been washed over (continue to watch facebook.com/sea turtle trackers).

So my first tropical storm on the beach - a hurricane in Houston isn't quite the same experience. Despite the weatherman reports of winds dying down, our hurricane shutters are rattling more violently and dramatically than ever.  But lights/power and A/C thankfully still on (it has been 95 with 100% humidity) and I can sew!  Apparently these winds will keep up tomorrow -- stay tuned.