A storm over the Atlantic Ocean currently named Tropical Depression Twelve is expected to become a major hurricane—which will be named Kirk once it reaches tropical storm strength—by the end of the week. The tropical depression is currently on the brink of strengthening into a tropical storm.

Tropical Storm Kirk (formerly Tropical Depression 12) formed over the Atlantic Ocean Monday morning and is forecast to become a "large and powerful hurricane" later this week, the National Hurricane Center said.

A "broad area of low pressure" in the sea is producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms, and environmental conditions appear to be conducive for gradual development of the system. The center said "a tropical depression could form in a few days while the system is over the southern Gulf of Mexico or northwestern Caribbean Sea.