The Impending Impact of Hurricane Kirk on Mainland Europe
Hurricane Kirk, now an extra-tropical storm, is expected to impact mainland Europe with severe winds and heavy rain beginning Tuesday night. It is likely to affect northern Portugal and northwestern Spain before moving towards France and surrounding areas, causing possible damage and disruptions. Meteorology expert Lars Lowinski highlights the relationship between climate change and the unique severity of hurricanes, indicating they may become more intense in the years to come.
Euronews Green had the opportunity to converse with Chartered Meteorologist Lars Lowinski regarding the anticipated influence of Hurricane Kirk on mainland Europe. Presently, parts of Florida are preparing for the consequences of Hurricane Milton, a potent Category 5 storm with winds reaching up to 290 km/h, which has necessitated evacuations in the Tampa Bay area despite difficulties such as fuel shortages and soaring flight costs. Conversely, while Hurricane Milton is unlikely to affect Europe, Hurricane Kirk is progressing westward and is predicted to create disturbances upon its arrival this week. Although Hurricane Kirk has transitioned from a hurricane to an extra-tropical storm, it is still expected to generate significant damage and disruption across Europe. “We are no longer looking at a tropical storm with the typical round, symmetric cloud structure and a calm eye in the center,” stated Lars Lowinski. Kirk was initially a significant hurricane but has now evolved into a formidable North Atlantic windstorm typical for autumn and winter in Europe, a season commencing in October and running through March. This week, Kirk will likely impact northern Portugal and northwestern Spain starting on Tuesday night, with forecasts of violent winds and heavy rainfall. Lars explained that the primary bout of severe winds is expected to transpire early on Wednesday, with gusts reaching between 100-130 km/h (65-80 mph), and potentially as high as 145 km/h (90 mph) over elevated terrain. Heavy rainfall is also anticipated, with amounts between 100 and 150 mm possible in certain areas of northwestern Spain over a 24-36 hour period. Upon its arrival on mainland Europe, Kirk will advance toward France by Wednesday night into early Thursday, impacting a large corridor extending from the Bay of Biscay coast to eastern France, northwest Switzerland, and southwestern Germany. Gusts could peak at 140-150 km/h (87-93 mph) along coastal regions of western and southwestern France, with lower regions experiencing gusts of 100-130 km/h (65-80 mph). Lars further cautioned that heavy rainfall might cause flash and river flooding, as well as landslides in mountainous regions, particularly affecting central and northern France, Belgium, and western Germany, with 100 mm of rain expected before Thursday’s conclusion. Areas such as the UK may also experience adverse weather due to Kirk, though the extent of this impact remains undetermined. In terms of the link between climate change and hurricanes, Lars noted, “While it is not unusual to see hurricanes in the tropical Atlantic in October, Kirk [as a hurricane] was unusually intense for a system that far east of the main development area, which is nearer the Caribbean this time of the year.” He further explained that warmer ocean waters potentially provide more energy to these storms, which can lead to rapid intensification and higher wind speeds.
The article discusses Hurricane Kirk and its impending effects on Europe while contrasting it with Hurricane Milton’s impact on Florida. Hurricane Kirk, which is transforming from a tropical hurricane into an extra-tropical storm as it crosses over cooler waters, is set to influence various regions of Europe. The prospective impacts include severe winds, heavy rain, and potential flooding, emphasizing the wider implications of climate change on hurricane intensity and frequency. The conversation with Lars Lowinski provides essential insights into meteorological expectations for this storm, framing its severity and likely consequences in detail.
In summary, Hurricane Kirk is poised to deliver significant impacts across northern Portugal, northwestern Spain, and into France and western Europe, with the potential for severe wind gusts and substantial rainfall leading to damage and disruption. Meteorological experts underscore the relationship between climate change and the evolving nature of hurricanes, suggesting an increased intensity and frequency of such storms as a notable concern for the near future.
Original Source: www.euronews.com
