Powerful storm sweeps across Europe

 

Spain
Powerful storm approaches Spain: "More dangerous than before"

Matthias Kjellman

Published 18.46

Hurricane Kirk is expected to arrive in Spain soon.

The country is on alert and experts are warning of significant consequences.

"We are facing a fact that makes our hair stand on end," writes the Spanish media.

In the middle of the Atlantic, it gathers power.

Tropical Hurricane Kirk is moving towards Europe and Spanish weather experts are now warning that it will reach the country shortly.

Earlier this week, Isaac – another tropical storm – reached the Iberian Peninsula. But Kirk's arrival worries even more.

"Without a doubt, we have a situation in front of us that is similar or even more dangerous than before," writes Spanish media.

Satellite images show how the tropical storm is gathering strength over the Atlantic. Photo: AP

"Never before"

Storm activity has increased in recent weeks and Kirk has broken records. Never before has a hurricane formed so far east in the Atlantic at this time of year.

The hurricane has already reached Category 4 and is moving northwest across the Atlantic.

During Saturday morning it has sustained winds of around 230 km/h. The gusts are even stronger.The strong winds cause rough seas off the coast of Spain and Portugal.

Photo: AP

Is on standby

Experts say attention must be paid to the development of Kirk as it moves across the Atlantic and interacts with the westerly jet stream.

Spanish authorities are now preparing for the arrival of the storm in the northwestern parts of the country. It is believed that it will arrive already during the weekend or at the beginning of next week.

However, Kirk's strength may weaken as it reaches colder waters. Even so, it can lead to "significant consequences" and affect many people.

The storm can have an impact similar to "a large elephant entering a china shop", writes Meteored.

Large amounts of rain, but above all strong wind, is what you expect.

Storm Laura did that in the US in August. Archive image. Photo: Kirk Meche/AP

Moving on to Sweden

The storm does not seem to stay in Spain, but will move further north.
 

The remains of Kirk will probably reach Sweden by next weekend.

- It can be quite strong. As the forecast looks right now, it has quite a lot of energy left when it arrives in Sweden as well, says Lasse Rydkvist, meteorologist at Klart.

The storm is expected to affect Sweden with rain and snow, mainly in northern Norrland. It can cause traffic problems with the risk of slippery and slushy roads.