Hurricane Kirk is currently moving across the Atlantic. On Wednesday, the storm intensified to a Category 3 hurricane. According to a Thursday morning advisory from the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Kirk is projected to gain further strength as it moves northwestward across the central Atlantic.
The storm is expected to generate unusually large waves, known as “swells,” which are predicted to reach the Leeward Islands on Friday, Bermuda and the Greater Antilles on Saturday, and the Bahamas and the U.S. East Coast on Sunday.
The NHC has warned that these swells could create life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
No coastal watches or warnings are currently in effect.
Kirk is traveling northwest at a speed of approximately 10 miles per hour, with maximum sustained winds near 120 miles per hour. This general direction is expected to continue until Friday, when a shift to the north and north-northeast is anticipated.
Kirk’s arrival comes amidst a challenging hurricane season. Last week, Hurricane Helene caused significant damage across the southeastern U.S. As of Tuesday, 135 fatalities had been confirmed across six states, according to reports. On Thursday morning, this number remained unchanged, although ongoing searches are underway for individuals who may have been lost as a result of Hurricane Helene. Flash floods inundated urban areas across Florida, while the Appalachian region was plagued by numerous landslides caused by the storm. The powerful winds toppled trees and destroyed homes.