Looking at the latest VIS, IR, WV satellite loops and coastal observations ex T.S. Nicole continues to lash the Canadian Maritimes with near hurricane force wind gusts. A couple of days ago she merged with an extratropical surface low and became a hybrid much like the perfect storm we know of from recent history. What is interesting is how she continues to show a tropical'ish eyewall type structure.

Looking back southward into the Gulf Of Mexico and western Caribbean Sea we have a stationary frontal system. Old fronts in this region in October often times simmer for days, then come right back at us with tropical cyclones. So much like T.S. Matthew the whole of the Gulf Coast will have to keep an eye peeled for a "possible" future T.C. Otto during the next seven days.

Thomas F. Giella
Retired Space & Atmospheric Weather Forecaster
Plant City, FL