Hurricane Kirk and Tropical Storm Leslie: Impacts on the Atlantic and U.S. Southeast Recovery Efforts

Forecasters have issued cautions regarding Hurricane Kirk, which could generate waves resulting in dangerous surf and conditions along the U.S. East Coast, Bermuda, the Greater Antilles, and the Bahamas this weekend. Kirk, classified as a Category 4 hurricane in the Atlantic Ocean, is predicted to maintain its strength and intensity, although it is expected to stay over the open waters, according to the Miami-based weather center. “Large swells” could potentially reach the eastern U.S. shores by Sunday, the center warned. These swells are anticipated to make contact with parts of the Leeward Islands on Friday, followed by Bermuda and the Greater Antilles on Saturday. As of late Thursday night, no coastal watches or warnings had been issued, with Kirk positioned approximately 1,040 miles east-northeast of the Leeward Islands, boasting maximum sustained winds of 145 mph.

Simultaneously, Tropical Storm Leslie developed late Wednesday in the eastern Atlantic, with forecasters indicating the potential for it to strengthen into a hurricane as it progresses. Currently, Leslie is not considered an immediate threat to land. It was reported to be roughly 610 miles west-southwest of the southernmost Cabo Verde Islands, with winds reaching speeds of 50 mph.

These weather developments occur amidst ongoing recovery efforts in the U.S. Southeast, where residents continue to grapple with the aftermath of last week’s devastating storm. Major disruptions to essential services such as running water, cellphone coverage, and electricity remain prevalent as search and rescue teams collaboratively work to locate those still missing. CBS News reported more than 200 confirmed fatalities across various states, marking one of the deadliest storms in U.S. history.

President Joe Biden traveled on Thursday to assess the widespread damage inflicted by the storm, marking his second consecutive day in the region, after having surveyed flood-damaged areas from Greenville, South Carolina, to North Carolina by air. During briefings with emergency officials in Raleigh, President Biden pledged that the federal government would cover “100%” of debris removal and emergency protective measures costs in North Carolina for the next six months, with similar support slated for Florida and Georgia over the next 90 days.