"The official forecast shows the system nearing major hurricane strength over the central and eastern Gulf of Mexico," NHC forecasters wrote in their first advisory. "Regardless of the exact details of the intensity forecast,

Tropical Storm Kirk is continuing to strengthen in the Atlantic Ocean, but there's no chance it will impact Florida. The storm is currently about 1,010 miles west of the Cabo Verde Islands, with wind speeds of 70 mph. It's moving west-northwest at 13 mph.

In Helene's wake, the National Hurricane Center predicted Tropical Storm Kirk could grow into the next major hurricane by midweek. Here's what you need to know.