Tropical Storm Epsilon has evolved in the central Atlantic near 31N 52W at 30/03Z. The tropical characteristics of this storm developed earlier today, although yesterday Navy NRL identified this system as a subtropical low with sustained winds of 35 knots near the center. The evolution was primarily from an upper level low over the past few days (and probably moreso than indicated by NHC in their Discussions).

Epsilon is moving to the west at about 7 knots although the forward speed should slow and the direction will be erratic for the next 24 hours, followed by movement to the northeast and then east. The cyclone is expected to remain at sea, however, after a rather ragged looking appearance earlier this evening, convection is once again on the upswing over the center and with very little windshear for the next 24 to 36 hours, intensification is likely - perhaps close to hurricane strength.

Is Epsilon tropical or subtropical? Right now I lean toward tropical with a redeveloping convective core and a symmetrical non-frontal system - but yesterday it certainly had many subtropical characteristics.

Here is the definition of a Subtropical Cyclone from NHC:
"Subtropical Cyclone:
A non-frontal low pressure system that has characteristics of both tropical and extratropical cyclones.

The most common type is an upper-level cold low with circulation extending to the surface layer and maximum sustained winds generally occurring at a radius of about 100 miles or more from the center. In comparison to tropical cyclones, such systems have a relatively broad zone of maximum winds that is located farther from the center, and typically have a less symmetric wind field and distribution of convection.

A second type of subtropical cyclone is a mesoscale low originating in or near a frontolyzing zone of horizontal wind shear, with radius of maximum sustained winds generally less than 30 miles. The entire circulation may initially have a diameter of less than 100 miles. These generally short-lived systems may be either cold core or warm core."

With luck, the season will finally draw to a close and this 26th named storm for 2005 will be the last.
Cheers,
ED