Hurricane Kirk Strengthens, Major Hurricane Expected

Hurricane Kirk has intensified into a hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph and is expected to continue strengthening, potentially becoming a major hurricane by Thursday. Currently located about 1,200 miles west of the Cabo Verde Islands, Kirk is moving northwest at 14 mph, with forecasts indicating it will turn north and remain over the open Atlantic, posing no threat to the U.S. coast. Meteorologists are also monitoring two additional systems: one in the southwestern Caribbean that may develop into a tropical depression, and another in the eastern tropical Atlantic showing signs of organization. Long-period swells from Kirk could impact the U.S. Eastern Seaboard early next week, although no coastal watches or warnings have been issued at this time. The NHC is closely observing the hurricane's progress and advises that conditions could support further developments in the Atlantic.