http://www.thestormtrack.com/2007/05/prese...pical_storm.php


Pre-season subtropical storm
May 8, 2007 - 2:15 AM UTC (subtract 4 hours for EDT)

As a meteorologist today is one of those days where I am glad that I am not a decision maker at the National Hurricane Center. The subtropical storm that is drifting off the coast of the Carolinas is truly a tough call for those at NHC. If NHC names this system they will instantly be faced with a pre-season hurricane only a couple hundred miles off the U.S. coast and many people will panic and be angry about a perceived lack of warning. Due to this societal constraint, it seems unlikely that NHC will name this system. If it were October right now, I have no doubt that their decision would be different. Instead the National Weather Service is taking a more diplomatic approach and has issued Hurricane Force Wind Warnings. However, in my professional opinion we are absolutely dealing with at least a subtropical storm at this time.

A quick look at the water vapor satellite image clearly shows an increasingly tropical form. This image looks like a classic subtropical system undergoing "tropical transition" into a purely tropical system. In the words of NHC forecaster Dr. Knabb is his Discussion 2 from Vince in 2005: "If it looks like a hurricane... it probably is... despite its environment and unusual location."

UGGG! I am not looking forward to this Hurricane Season!