Hurricane Kirk forms in Atlantic, could strengthen into major storm but not touch land: forecasters

Forecasters say Kirk is expected to churn in the ocean and not touch land.

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Wednesday, October 2, 2024
Tropical Storm Kirk forms in Atlantic, expected to become powerful hurricane this week: forecasters
The National Hurricane Center says Tropical Storm Kirk is expected to strengthen by Tuesday and become a hurricane.

Kirk became a hurricane in the eastern Atlantic Ocean on Tuesday.

The storm could strengthen into a major hurricane by Thursday, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said. However, forecasters say Kirk is expected to churn in the ocean and not touch land.

The storm was about 1,070 miles (1,720 kilometers) west of the Cabo Verde Island with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph (120 kph).

There were no coastal watches or warnings in effect, and the storm system was not yet deemed a threat to land.

RELATED: A new tropical threat develops in the Gulf as South still reels from Helene aftermath

It is the eleventh named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season.

This comes after Hurricane Helene left a path of destruction across the south, killing nearly 160 people.

Two other named storms are in the Atlantic right now are Isaac and Joyce but it is unclear what, if any, impact they will have in the United States.

RELATED: Several active storms in the Atlantic being monitored, with more development expected

Hurricane season officially ends on November 30.

Hurricane season officially ends on November 30.