...KIRK CONTINUES TO STRENGTHEN...
...FORECAST TO BECOME A MAJOR HURRICANE TOMORROW...
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL122024
SUMMARY OF 1100 AM AST...1500 UTC...INFORMATION
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LOCATION...18.0N 43.0W
ABOUT 1260 MI...2030 KM W OF THE CABO VERDE ISLANDS
ABOUT 1225 MI...1970 KM E OF THE LESSER ANTILLES
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...85 MPH...140 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...NW OR 305 DEGREES AT 12 MPH...19 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...980 MB...28.94 INCHES
WATCHES AND WARNINGS
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There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect.
DISCUSSION AND OUTLOOK
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At 1100 AM AST (1500 UTC), the center of Hurricane Kirk was located near latitude 18.0 North, longitude 43.0 West. Kirk is moving toward the northwest near 12 mph (19 km/h) and this motion is expected over the next several days with a gradual turn more to the north-northwest by the end of the week.
Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 85 mph (140 km/h) with higher gusts. Additional strengthening is forecast, and Kirk is forecast to become a major hurricane tomorrow.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 35 miles (55 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 205 miles (335 km).
The estimated minimum central pressure is 980 mb (28.94 inches).
HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
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SURF: Swells generated by Kirk are beginning to spread outward and could affect affect portions of Leeward Islands and Bermuda by this weekend. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Please consult products from your local weather office.
Forecaster Papin
