Tropical Storm Kirk Forms in Atlantic: NHC

The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) said that Tropical Storm Kirk has formed in the Atlantic Ocean.

The storm, which has 40 mph winds, is moving west at 18 mph, and according to the NHC, it’s “accelerating westward over the eastern tropical Atlantic.”

“An even faster westward motion across the deep tropical Atlantic Ocean is expected through Tuesday,” the agency said in a 5 a.m. update on Sept. 23.

“Some strengthening is forecast during the next day or two. Weakening is likely during the middle to latter part of the week,” the NHC said, adding that there are no warnings or watches in effect for the storm.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center said that Tropical Storm Kirk has formed in the Atlantic Ocean. (NHC)NHC

In a forecast discussion, the NHC said that Kirk is slated to move over warmer waters and a low wind-shear environment, which will allow for more strengthening.

“The biggest limiting factors for intensification would be the cyclone’s fast motion and possible entrainment of dry air. Like every other tropical cyclone which has approached the Lesser Antilles from the east this season, Kirk is expected to run into strong westerly shear in 4-5 days, resulting in weakening as the cyclone gets closer to the islands,” weather forecasters said.

The storm, which has 40 mph winds, is moving west at 18 mph, and according to the NHC, it’s “accelerating westward over the eastern tropical Atlantic.” NHC

The NHC said: “A reduction in speed is likely after 48 hours once Kirk moves south of a large central Atlantic trough, but it should still be moving along at a pretty good clip.”

Tropical Depression Eleven

The NHC also noted that Tropical Depression Eleven is “poorly organized” and is expected to “dissipate soon.”

The storm is located about 415 miles east-northeast of the Windward Islands, moving at 6 mph.

There are no coastal warnings or watches in effect for the storm.

“Maximum sustained winds remain near 30 mph (45 km/h) with higher gusts. The depression is expected to dissipate by tonight,” said the NHC.