Tropical Storm Kirk has formed in the eastern Atlantic, expected to strengthen into a major hurricane by Thursday. It poses no current threat to land. Other disturbances in the Caribbean and near Cabo Verde may also develop into storms.
Tropical Storm Kirk has emerged in the eastern tropical Atlantic Ocean as of late Monday morning, marking it as the 11th named storm of the 2024 hurricane season, as reported by the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami. Positioned approximately 800 miles to the west of Cabo Verde, Kirk is currently generating sustained winds of 60 mph and advancing westward at a pace of 12 mph as of 4 p.m. on Monday. Forecasts from the NHC suggest that the storm is likely to undergo significant strengthening as it veers towards the west-northwest over the next day, moving across warm waters and into a moist atmospheric environment characterized by low wind shear. NHC forecaster Eric Blake indicated in an afternoon update that “rapid intensification remains a notable possibility if this system can close off its inner core.” The latest trajectory forecast from the NHC predicts that Kirk will achieve hurricane status by Tuesday afternoon, with expectations for it to escalate into a major hurricane by Thursday at 2 p.m. There is potential for the storm to reach Category 4 intensity, with sustained wind speeds that could surpass 130 mph. Currently, the storm does not threaten Louisiana, and no watches or warnings have been issued for any land areas worldwide. In addition to Tropical Storm Kirk, forecasters are monitoring a trough of low pressure over the southwestern Caribbean Sea that is provoking disorganized showers and thunderstorms. This system has the potential to evolve into a tropical depression or storm as it progresses toward the southern Gulf of Mexico, though it remains too early to determine its exact trajectory should it continue to develop. Furthermore, there exists a tropical wave situated several hundred miles south of Cabo Verde, which is deemed “very likely” to develop into a tropical depression or storm in the following days as it continues westward, with a 90% probability of formation within the week, according to the NHC. Lastly, storms Isaac and Joyce have experienced a continued decrease in strength as of Monday afternoon, with neither projected to make landfall before ultimately dissipating.
The Atlantic hurricane season, which typically runs from June 1 to November 30, designates specific names for tropical storms and hurricanes. The naming system assists in tracking and communicating about these potentially dangerous weather systems. The formation of storms such as Kirk is monitored closely by meteorological agencies like the National Hurricane Center. Understanding how tropical storms develop, as well as their potential impact and trajectory, is crucial for the safety and preparedness of communities within vulnerable coastal regions. The presence of multiple weather systems, including potential disturbances in the Caribbean and near Cabo Verde, highlights the dynamic nature of this season and the importance of continuous monitoring.
In summary, Tropical Storm Kirk has formed in the eastern tropical Atlantic and is anticipated to strengthen into a major hurricane by later in the week. While it currently poses no threat to land, other weather systems in the Caribbean and near Cabo Verde may develop. The NHC continues to provide updates on these systems to ensure public awareness and preparedness as the hurricane season progresses.
Original Source: www.nola.com
