Tropical Storm Kirk formed on Monday in the Atlantic Ocean and is expected to become a powerful hurricane later this week.A cyclone is declared a tropical storm when maximum sustained winds reach at least 39 mph, and much like its fellow tropical depressions and hurricanes, impacts can be significant. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) said the system is expected to strengthen and will likely become a hurricane by Tuesday and a major Category 3 hurricane by Wednesday. Here’s everything you need to know about Tropical Storm Kirk.Tropical Storm Kirk is located in the eastern Atlantic with sustained 60 mph winds with higher gusts, about 800 miles from the Cabo Verde Islands. WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A TROPICAL DEPRESSION, TROPICAL STORM AND HURRICANE?Tropical Storm Kirk is expected to become a hurricane by Tuesday and continue to strengthen into a major Category hurricane by mid-week. The NHC said Kirk will continue moving west-northwest through Tuesday before gradually turning northwest by Wednesday.A LOOK AT HOW THE HURRICANE FORECAST CONE WILL BE DIFFERENT IN 2024Tropical Storm Kirk does not pose a threat to the U.S. at this time.2024 ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON GUIDE: HERE’S WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THIS YEAR’S STORMS