Hurricane Kirk to Bring Heavy Rain, Strong Winds, and Flood Risk to UK This Weekend
October 4, 2024Hurricane Kirk is moving across the Atlantic and is expected to impact the UK with heavy rainfall and strong winds.
As Kirk approaches, swells are forecasted to reach the Leeward Islands, Bermuda, and the East Coast of the U.S., raising concerns about potentially life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
Meteorologist Dominik Jung predicts that Hurricane Kirk will turn towards Europe after initially heading towards North America, possibly reaching Germany by October 10.
Although Kirk is currently a Category 1 storm with maximum sustained winds of 85 miles per hour, it is expected to lose its hurricane status by the time it reaches the UK.
There remains uncertainty about how close the remnants of Hurricane Kirk will come to the UK, which complicates predictions of rain and wind.
In England and Wales, heavy rain and strong winds are anticipated, with a Met Office yellow warning issued for Sunday, predicting winds of 50-55 mph and gusts exceeding 60 mph in exposed areas.
Forecasts indicate that areas in the UK may receive 20-30 mm of rain over 9-12 hours, with some locations possibly seeing up to 80 mm.
The heavy rain and flooding from Kirk may complicate ongoing relief efforts from Hurricane Helene, which recently impacted Florida's west coast.
The weekend weather in the UK will start off warm and pleasant but is predicted to deteriorate as Hurricane Kirk's tail end approaches.
The elevated risk for rip currents along the East Coast is expected to continue into early next week due to persistent onshore flow.
Showers are likely to affect northern and eastern coasts of the UK, potentially moving inland, as unsettled weather returns.
The forecast suggests a possibility of frequent showers and unsettled conditions throughout next week, especially in southern regions.
Summary based on 48 sources
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Sources
The Guardian • Sep 28, 2024
UK weather: wind and rain warnings issued for southern England and south WalesThe Guardian • Oct 4, 2024
Wind and rain to hit UK as remnant of Hurricane Kirk passes byThe Guardian • Sep 29, 2024
Flood warning as heavy rain expected in southern England and WalesThe Guardian • Sep 27, 2024
UK weather: 66 flood warnings in England as more heavy rain expected