Tracking the Tropics: Kirk strengthens to a major hurricane with Leslie following behind

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — We’re watching two areas in the central tropical Atlantic. The first is Hurricane Kirk, which strengthened into a major storm and currently has winds at 125 mph and is moving to the northwest at 10 mph. Over the last 24 hours, Kirks winds have increased 40 mph meaning it has rapidly intensified.

Kirk is forecast to be a Category 4 hurricane later today. Kirk is moving to the northwest at 10 mph and should continue on that course the next day while moving around the edge of a subtropical ridge over the eastern Atlantic.

A gradual turn toward the northeast is expected on Sunday. Kirk is expected to stay 800 to 1,000 miles east of Bermuda. Even though it will remain out to sea, Kirk could generate higher-than-normal swells and a high rip-current risk up and down the East Coast.

Tropical Storm Leslie formed out of the high-interest area that was behind Kirk. Leslie currently has winds of 45 mph and is moving to the west at 5 mph. Leslie is forecast to strengthen into another hurricane.

In the next five days, it is expected to become a strong Category 2 hurricane with winds of 110 mph. Leslie is no threat to land and will follow Kirk’s path out to sea.

The last area of interest now has a low chance of developing with a 30% chance of forming into a tropical depression in the next week. The potential for tropical development is lower due to a strong cold front expected to drop into central Florida by Tuesday afternoon. Interaction with this cold front will limit the potential for tropical development.

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