Tropical Storm Kirk Forms, NHC Monitors Five Systems in Atlantic

Tropical Storm Kirk has formed in the Atlantic Ocean, and the National Hurricane Center (NHC) is tracking five systems in total, including two disturbances that could become tropical cyclones. Residents along the Gulf Coast should monitor the disturbance in the Caribbean.

Tropical Storm Kirk formed in the central Atlantic Ocean at 11 a.m. EDT Monday, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported. The storm is located about 1,160 miles west-northwest of the Cabo Verde Islands, with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph. Kirk is moving west at 14 mph, and the NHC predicts it will continue on this general path for the next several days.

The NHC is also monitoring five other systems in the Atlantic:

Tropical Storm Kirk Forms, NHC Monitors Five Systems in Atlantic

* A tropical wave located about 200 miles east of the Leeward Islands has a 40% chance of becoming a tropical cyclone in the next 48 hours and a 60% chance over the next five days.

* A disturbance located about 100 miles east of Bermuda has a 30% chance of becoming a tropical cyclone in the next 48 hours and a 50% chance over the next five days.

* A disturbance located about 1,000 miles east of the Lesser Antilles has a 20% chance of becoming a tropical cyclone in the next 48 hours and a 40% chance over the next five days.

* A disturbance located about 2,000 miles east of the Lesser Antilles has a 10% chance of becoming a tropical cyclone in the next 48 hours and a 20% chance over the next five days.

* A disturbance located about 3,000 miles east of the Lesser Antilles has a 5% chance of becoming a tropical cyclone in the next 48 hours and a 10% chance over the next five days.

The NHC advises residents along the Gulf Coast to monitor the disturbance in the Caribbean, as it could potentially move into the Gulf of Mexico later this week.

In addition to the five systems in the Atlantic, the NHC is also monitoring two tropical cyclones in the Eastern Pacific: Tropical Storm Hilary and Hurricane Irwin. Hilary is expected to weaken to a tropical depression by Tuesday, while Irwin is forecast to become a major hurricane by Wednesday.

The NHC urges residents in affected areas to stay informed about the latest forecasts and to follow the instructions of local officials.