Kirk nears hurricane force in Atlantic

While Tropical Storm Isaac inundates the gulf states for a third day, Tropical Strom Kirk gained strength over the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Kirk's 65 mph winds were expected to increase during the day Thursday, reaching category 1 force by Thursday night, the National Hurricane Center reported. At 5 a.m. EDT, Kirk was about 1,065 miles northeast of the northern Leeward Islands and about 1,505 miles west-southwest of the Azores. It was moving northwest at 10 mph. The storm is expected to gain speed and change course to the north-northeast Friday night. Kirk is not currently a danger to land, the NHC said.