This is a newbie answer...

I think what you are seeing is the outflow of the cyclone to the north, its still "part of the storm" but it is behaving in a manner that is not the norm. The center of circulation in this storm is very weird I think. It seems like the NE quadrant is really lacking clouds structure with the southern regions of the cyclone and the eastern regions being better defined. I believe that the outflow, if indeed thats what I am seeing to the north and the east, projecting itself in the manner it is indicates a good chance of strengthening to come. The most inhibiting thing that I am seeing near term for strengthening is the dry air in front of the storm.

I do not actually know what I am talking about, I am simply guessing. (I would say educated guessing, but I am not that confident.)