MIAMI (AP) — In recent weather developments, Hurricane Leslie has intensified into a hurricane while moving through the Atlantic Ocean, but forecasters assure that it poses no risk to land at this time. As of Saturday, the storm was positioned approximately 725 miles (1,170 kilometers) west-southwest of the southernmost Cabo Verde Islands and was generating maximum sustained winds of 75 mph (120 kph). Currently, there are no coastal watches or warnings in effect for this storm.
Meanwhile, Hurricane Kirk remains a formidable Category 4 major hurricane, impacting the Leeward Islands, Bermuda, and the Greater Antilles with its powerful waves. Forecasters predict that the waves produced by Kirk will likely make their way to the East Coast of the United States, the Atlantic Coast of Canada, and the Bahamas by Saturday night and into Sunday. These waves could create dangerous surf conditions and life-threatening rip currents, prompting caution among beachgoers.
Kirk is situated approximately 975 miles (1,570 kilometers) east-northeast of the northern Leeward Islands and is maintaining maximum sustained winds of 130 mph (209 kph). While there are currently no coastal warnings or watches for Kirk, residents in the Azores, where swells may arrive on Monday, are advised to keep an eye on the storm’s trajectory.
Forecasters anticipate that Hurricane Kirk will begin to weaken on Saturday, providing some relief to those affected by its presence in the region. As these storms pace through the Atlantic, rescuers in the U.S. Southeast continue their efforts to locate individuals unaccounted for following the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene last week, which resulted in tragic loss of life and significant destruction.
