While the official hurricane season lasts from June 1st-November 30th, anything that forms during any given calendar year will be classified with that season's totals. There was a storm 30-40 years ago that formed in January; it was classified with that year's hurricane season. As always, NHC has judiciary over anything in the Atlantic in the rare event we get another such system.

The official spot of TD 7 is along the coast, as previously mentioned, but there are hints that it might try to reform further NE in the midst of the convective flareup now coming off of the Yucutan. This is something only occuring within the past hour, however, and requires more time to see if this is a definitive reformation or just a convective blob coming off of the coast.

As for why Franklin hasn't been picked up by the trough: largely because the trough over the U.S. hasn't been strong enough to slide south and cause the storm to accelerate to the north and east. It has turned Franklin towards the east, but not enough to get it out of our hair. It's a tough storm to call, just like was mentioned in the 5p discussion from the NHC, and isn't likely to go much of anywhere for the next few days.

As for the unregistered user who has tried to wreak havoc here today, just ignore them; it's attention they seek. Storm Cooper and I have tried to take care of as many of the posts as we can -- and thanks to those of you who have alerted us of them via the "Post Notify" feature! -- and hopefully we'll be able to move on from here.

Because, of course, we're in the 2005 Hurricane Season. As LI Phil says, Buckle Up!