Tropical Storm Colin aims at Florida

MIAMI, June 5 (UPI) -- Tropical storm warnings are up on the Gulf and Atlantic coasts of Florida as Tropical Storm Colin quickly heads northeast, packing 50 mph winds with higher gusts and heavy rains.

The National Hurricane Center issued a tropical storm warning for Florida's Gulf coast from Indian Pass to Englewood, and from Sebastian Inlet, Fla., to Althama Sound, Ga. Moderate storm surge of 1 to 3 feet is expected in the warning areas on Florida's Gulf Coast.

The NHC also issued a tropical storm watch for the northern Georgia and southern South Carolina coast. Some strengthening is possible prior to forecast landfall in northern Florida Monday. The storm could regain lost strength from land interaction over Florida once it reaches the Atlantic on Tuesday.

Expected rainfall could reach up to 8 inches in isolated areas from Florida through the Carolinas, with typical amounts ranging from 3 to 5 inches. Isolated tornadoes are possible Monday afternoon in some parts of Florida and southern Georgia, the hurricane center said.

Colin appeared poorly organized on satellite images. The storm was moving at a rapid clip Monday morning, heading northeast at 15 mph, the hurricane center said.

Sand bags were being distributed to residents in St. Petersburg, Tampa and nearby cities.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott postponed a planned strategy meeting with Republican presumptive presidential nominee Donald Trump in New York to monitor the storm on Monday.

The National Weather Service also reported an "enhanced" risk of severe storms in the mid-Atlantic states and South Florida.

In Texas, Fort Hood officials identified the last of nine soldiers killed in Texas floodwaters during a training exercise. Three others soldiers survived and have returned to duty.

Storms unrelated to Colin have dumped more than a foot of rain in parts of Texas. But the area is expected to dry out as rain diminishes.