Hurricane Kirk to bring large swells to U.S East Coast; Tropical Storm Leslie gains strength

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Hurricane Kirk is expected to bring large swells to the U.S. East Coast by Sunday, the National Hurricane Center said.

Kirk is moving toward the northwest at around 10 mph and is expected to continue the general motion on Friday.

A turn toward the north and north-northwest at a faster speed could happen over the weekend.

Maximum sustained winds are 145 mph.

Hurricane Kirk is a category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, according to NHC.

Swells generated by Kirk are expected to bring dangerous surf and rip current conditions.

There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect.

Tropical Storm Leslie

Located about 645 miles west-southwest of the southernmost Cabo Verde Islands, Leslie has gained a little strength, according to the NHC.

Maximum sustained winds are 60 mph.

Leslie is moving toward the west at around 6 mph. A turn toward the west-northwest is expected Friday.

A turn toward the northwest and an increase in speed early Sunday into Monday is expected, according to the NHC.

There are no coastal warnings or watches in effect.

Disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico

A broad area of low pressure could form over the southwestern or south-central Gulf of Mexico this weekend.

A tropical or subtropical depression could form in the middle of next week as it meanders eastward or northeastward, according to the NHC.

The chance for development in the next seven days is 40%.

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