A hurricane changes direction: an unsuspected region in its crosshairs

In short:

• The major hurricane Kirk branches off to the northeast;

• The United Kingdom and France in its sights;

• Precipitation and strong winds expected.

Major hurricane

Kirk became the eleventh named cyclone in the Atlantic this season. During the last hours, it gained intensity to reach category 4. With sustained winds of more than 210 km/h, this major hurricane is currently in the middle of the ocean. It is moving at a speed of 19 km/h in a northwest direction.

Change of trajectory

According to NOAA forecasts, Kirk is expected to change its trajectory to move northeast. Therefore, the hurricane is likely to reach the coasts of Europe by Wednesday. This is not unheard of. In fact, certain tropical systems end their course in European territory, generating torrential rain and strong winds. However, few of them retain their tropical characteristics.

Tropical activity

A new storm was born on October 3: Leslie. This twelfth named cyclone this season in the Atlantic confirms a trend towards a marked resumption of tropical activity in this basin. If we consider normal, Kirk made up for some delay by giving birth on September 30. Remember that hurricane season reaches its peak around September 6. It ends on November 30.

With the collaboration of Bertin Ossonon, meteorologist.

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