Kirk becomes a hurricane; It is expected to reach major hurricane strength this week

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Kirk strengthened into a hurricane on Tuesday and is expected to become a major hurricane this week, the National Hurricane Center said.

Kirk is located about 1,070 miles west of the Cape Verde Islands and is moving northwest at a speed of 12 miles per hour.

Officials are asking residents to avoid these two Sarasota beaches

The maximum sustained wind speed is 75 miles per hour. NHC meteorologists predict wind speeds will reach 125 miles per hour.

The general west-northwestward movement is expected to continue until Tuesday. A turn to the northwest is forecast for Wednesday and Thursday, according to the NHC.

There are currently no coast guards or warnings in effect.

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