A well-defined area of non-tropical low pressure began taking on more tropical characteristics despite moderate westerly shear on the morning of July 1st, and one could make the case that it was a T.D. by about noon Friday July 1 using a more flexible definition.

After drifting just inland near/over Charleston, S.C. the low has continued to slowly show signs of increasing organization.

96L is now being tugged offshore and drawn into a blossoming area of deep convection with very cold cloud tops, and it looks increasingly likely that a Tropical Storm may be forming, so we are starting a lounge on this well-formed cyclone at this time.

At 5AM ET July 2, NHC upgraded 96L directly to Tropical Storm Colin, and the title has been updated accordingly.