Will Hurricane Kirk hit Florida? New forecast details, impacts and timeline

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ORLANDO, Fla. – Hurricane Kirk gained strength Tuesday as it moved across the central Atlantic.

Just two days after Kirk achieved tropical storm status, the now Category 3 hurricane was located approximately 1,370 miles west-northwest of the Cabo Verde Islands and 1,840 miles east-northeast of the Lesser Antilles, with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph.

Kirk is moving northwest at 10 miles per hour and is expected to continue this course over the coming days with a gradual shift to the north-northwest through the end of the week.

Forecasters expect Kirk's intensity to strengthen, possibly reaching major hurricane status by Wednesday.

Hurricane Kirk hits Florida

Hurricane-force winds extend up to 35 miles from the center of the storm, while tropical-storm-force winds extend up to 220 miles. These winds are producing waves that could affect parts of the Leeward Islands and Bermuda by the weekend, as well as Florida early next week.

Behind Hurricane Kirk is Tropical Storm Leslie, which is expected to become a Category 2 hurricane by this week. The waves from these two storms can create life-threatening surf and rip current conditions in Florida. Residents are urged to keep an eye on updates from local weather authorities.

Despite the waves, Hurricane Kirk is not expected to reach the United States and is expected to turn northward.

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