&sq=&lang=&file=File:Kirk_2018-09-26_1635Z.jpg) Tropical Storm Kirk at peak intensity on September 26 | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | September 22, 2018 |
| Dissipated | September 28, 2018 |
| Tropical storm | |
| 1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS) | |
| Highest winds | 65 mph (100 km/h) |
| Lowest pressure | 998 mbar (hPa); 29.47 inHg |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 2 total (presumed) |
| Damage | At least $6.24 million |
| Areas affected | Barbados, Windward Islands, Guadeloupe |
| IBTrACS | |
Part of the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season | |
Tropical Storm Kirk was the second lowest-latitude tropical storm on record in the Atlantic basin. The eleventh named storm of the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season, Kirk originated from a tropical wave that left Africa on September 20 and organized into a tropical depression two days later. The system intensified into Tropical Storm Kirk early on September 22 but quickly degenerated into a tropical wave again early the next day. A reduction in the disturbance's forward speed allowed it to regain tropical storm intensity on September 26. Kirk reached maximum sustained winds of 65 mph (105 km/h) that morning before increasing westerly wind shear caused the cyclone to steadily weaken. The storm made landfall on Saint Lucia with winds of 50 mph (80 km/h) before continuing into the Caribbean Sea. Kirk degenerated to a tropical wave again on September 28, and its remnants continued westward, contributing to the formation of Hurricane Michael ten days later.
Kirk passed narrowly north of Barbados, where tropical storm-force winds cut power to multiple neighborhoods and caused property damage at the official residence of the Governor-General. Rainfall in excess of 10 inches (250 mm) flooded structures and vehicles, prompting 11 emergency water rescues. In Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, rough seas caused coastal flooding and led to the presumed deaths of two fishermen after they ventured out during the storm. On Saint Lucia, strong winds destroyed two buildings; additional structures, including schools and the anemometer at the Hewanorra International Airport, sustained damage. About 2,000 chickens on a poultry farm were killed following the collapse of their pens, and about 80–90% of the island's banana crop was left in ruin. The combination of winds and landslides prompted widespread power outages. Lesser impacts were felt on Martinique, where winds damaged trees and cut power to about 3,000 homes.